he 9^th International Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally was held from February 20 to February 25 near Fort Derawar. The racing event drew participants, spectators and automobile enthusiasts from around the country. A tent city was set up to welcome the participants and the spectators who enjoyed fireworks, musical night, kabaddi matches, camel racing, drumming and Seraeki jhumar. Stalls serving traditional food were also set up.

While addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Bahawalpur Division Commissioner Dr Ehtasham Anwar said that the Cholistan Rally had emerged as a ‘mega-event’ that attracted participants from all over South Asia. “This event is phenomenal. It spurs our regional economy,” he said.

Anwar also appreciated the role of district administration and divisional administration in organising the event. “All the administrative bodies including the district administration, the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab, the Police Departments as well as the Health Department, Rangers, Rescue 1122 and Bahawalpur Waste Management Company deserve a round of applause for pulling off this mega-event successfully,” said Anwar.

While addressing the prize distribution ceremony, Bahawalpur Division Commissioner Dr Ehtasham Anwar said that the Cholistan Rally had emerged as a ‘mega-event’ that attracted participants from all over South Asia. “This event is phenomenal. It spurs our regional economy,” he said.

The rally title was won by Zain Mehmood of Bahawalpur. Zain Mahmood completed the 462 kilometres race for the Prepared Category A in 3 hours 51 minutes and 42 seconds and was declared the winner of the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally. Mir Jafar Magsi, who completed the race in 4 hours 6 minutes and 25 seconds, stood second. Sahibzada Sultan clinched the third position by completing the race in 4 hours, 9 minutes and 1 second.

In the Prepared Category B, Asad Shadikhel came first with a time of 4 hours 14 minutes and 27 seconds, Gohar Sangi stood second with a time of 4 hours 26 minutes and 58 seconds while Mian Irfan stood third with a time of 4 hours 35 minutes and 4 seconds.

In the Quad Bike Category, Jam Waheed Zafar stood first, followed by Ayaz Ali and Muhammad Adil who stood second and third, respectively.

The contributor is a freelance reporter based in Bahawalpur