Vintage car rally ends at Khyber Pass

LANDIKOTAL: The 7th Pakistan Vintage Car Rally that started on November 11 from Karachi ended at the Torkham border here on Monday.

The Frontier Corps officials arranged a colourful concluding ceremony at Pakistan Army garrison in Landikotal, which was attended by a large number of people. As the cars entered Khyber Agency, the schoolchildren and local residents welcomed them at various spots in Landikotal and Jamrud tehsils.

They also showered rose petals on the participants and chanted “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans.The car rally later moved towards Landikotal where its end was officially announced. Commandant of Khyber Rifles Colonel Umar Farooq briefed the participants of the rally about the strategic importance of Khyber Pass and Torkham border at the historical Michini checkpost near the Pak-Afghan border.

Col Umar Farooq told The News that the aim of the car rally was to portray soft image of the tribal areas. He added that the event would also help encourage tourists to visit the historical places in Khyber Agency. “Gone are the days when visitors from the big cities and abroad were hesitant to visit Khyber Agency,” Col Umar Farooq said.

He said peace had been restored in most parts of the tribal areas due to the sacrifices rendered by people and security forces. Shireen Abbasi, a woman participant of the vintage car rally, was excited to have traveled to the historical Khyber Pass. She told this scribe that she joined the rally from Islamabad.

“I am very excited. It is my first visit to Khyber Agency,” he added. The woman said that several other women also participated in the rally. She said tribal people were very loving and respected the participants. The participants of the rally visited Pakistan Army’s garrison in Landikotal, where they were served with traditional cuisines.