Motorsport meets culture: Thal Desert Rally 2025 set for November

The Punjab Tourism Department launches the 10th edition of its flagship desert rally

The Punjab Tourism Department has officially announced the 10th Thal Desert Rally 2025, a major annual motorsport and cultural event to be held from November 6 to 9 across Kot Addu, Layyah, and Muzaffargarh.

The 200-kilometre-long rally route will traverse the scenic and challenging dunes of the Thal Desert.

The promotional launch ceremony took place at the Lahore Museum Auditorium, attended by Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary Tourism, Archaeology and Museums, Punjab, and Asim Raza, Managing Director of the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP).

Speaking at the event, Dr. Bhutta said that the Thal Desert Rally 2025 is being organized under  Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s “Magnificent Punjab Vision” and under the special patronage of Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.

He emphasized that the rally is “not merely a motorsport competition but a comprehensive cultural festival celebrating South Punjab’s spiritual heritage, folk traditions, craftsmanship, and desert lifestyle.”

He added that such events play a crucial role in promoting socio-economic activity in South Punjab, providing opportunities for local artisans, musicians, and small businesses, while projecting a positive and peaceful image of Pakistan internationally.

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TDCP Managing Director Asim Raza said the 10th edition of the rally will feature around 100 drivers from across the country, including prominent names such as Mir Nadir Magsi, Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali, Zain Mahmood, and the Khawakani brothers, alongside female drivers. “The event will also host folk music performances, camel and horse shows, tent pegging competitions, craft bazaars, and cultural fairs,” he added.

He noted that events like the Thal Desert Rally “not only highlight Punjab’s tourism potential but also create lasting economic impact for regions like Thal, where post-event tourism and trade activity continue for months.”

During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between TDCP, Discover Pakistan, and PakWheels.

Under the agreement, Discover Pakistan will serve as the rally’s official media partner, while PakWheels will act as the official digital media partner.

According to TDCP, the Thal Desert Rally 2025 will attract a large number of national and international participants, showcasing South Punjab’s unique blend of heritage, culture, and adventure sports to a global audience.