Over 150 motorists to participate in jeep rally

Events to continue in Cholistan desert till 12th

LAHORE:

More than 150 motorists will participate in the 500km 18th International Cholistan Desert Rally being organised by the Punjab tourism department from Tuesday till February 12.

Caretaker Minister for Information and Culture Amir Mir announced on Monday that the rally would contain nine categories, including one for women drivers.

Prize money of Rs5 million will be distributed among the winners.

The minister said women motorists from the country as well as abroad would take part in the rally covering a 500km route in Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

A culture night, fireworks, tent village, camel race, kabaddi and javelin throw competitions will also be organised. A team of paragliders will also perform during the event.

Punjab Tourism Secretary Ehsan Bhutta said the aim of organising the event was to highlight the traditional lifestyle of Cholistan and Derawar Fort before the world. The event would also project South Punjab as a winter resort for tourists. In fact, desert motorsports had become the biggest event in Pakistan, he added.

Meanwhile, the Bahawalpur commissioner briefed Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi about the event in a meeting.

The caretaker chief minister called for the best arrangements, along with foolproof security, for the jeep rally.

He said overcharging in local hotels should be addressed and an organised publicity campaign launched, nationally as well as internationally, to project the important event.

He was informed that interesting programmes would be presented at Derawar Fort and Dilwash Stadium for the visitors and information desks, parking, tuck shops, workshops and mobile washrooms would be available to facilitate the participants. Recovery vehicles, air ambulance and four-wheel drive ambulances would also be available to deal with emergencies.

Mobile towers of phone companies have been arranged to ensure cellular service in the Cholistan area.

Cultural programmes will also be organised in Bahawalnagar, Rahim Yar Khan and Bahawalpur in connection with the rally. Food courts, folk singing, cricket, horse and camel dance and tug-of-war events would be held in three districts along with a bicycle race in Bahawalpur city.

The caretaker chief minister was informed that five categories had been introduced in the 18th International Cholistan Jeep Rally. It will include dirt bike, quad bike, truck, stock and other categories.

Around half a million people are expected to visit Cholistan during the rally. Alternative routes and roads have been constructed and expanded to keep traffic flowing, while the Kandewala Bridge has been doubled.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 7^th, 2023.