UPPER DIR: The first-ever three days Lowari Top Snow Jeep Rally, which was started from Peshawar, ended at the border between Dir Upper and Chitral districts here on Sunday.

The rally was jointly organised by army and provincial government. In the third phase of the rally, the jeepers started the race from Dir side of Lowari Tunnel and covered a distance of 20.9 kilometres by returning via Lowari Top. More than 50 jeeps, brought from different parts of the country, took part in the rally.

Yasir Khan of Frontier 4/4 Club won the rally whereas Shah Nawaz Khan of Frontier Club, Peshawar, grabbed the second position. Rahatullah Khan, a local resident, got third position.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Malakand division Maj Gen Nadir Khan, who was chief guest on the occasion, said that such programmes would promote peace and tourism in the region and portray a softer image of the area.

“Lawari Top area is a picturesque spot which needs proper attention of the government,” he said. He also announced to make Lowari Top Jeep Rally a regular feature to attract tourists.

Mr Khan said that Zarb-i-Azb military operation was in the last phase and army personnel were rendering great sacrifices for the nation. Eulogising the cooperation extended by people, he urged the civilians to continue supporting military in the fight against terrorism.

DIG Azad Khan, Dir Upper Deputy Commissioner Zakaullah Khatak, MNA Sahibzada Tariqullah, district nazim Sahibzada Fasihullah and civil and military officers were present on the occasion.

A large number of people from across the district attended the event. They thanked the administration for letting them enjoy such a festivity.

Amjad Khan, a tourist, said that it was a pleasant occasion to promote peace and soft image of the region. He said that such events drew and motivated local people as well as tourists to visit the mountains area.

Jawad, another tourist, thanked the provincial government, army and local administrations for arranging the rally.

Later, Maj Gen Nadir Khan distributed trophies, shields and certificates among the winners and participants of the rally.

Published in Dawn, February 29th, 2016