DI KHAN: The Pakistan Motorcar Rally left Dera Ismail Khan for Gomal Zam, South Waziristan, via Tank on Wednesday morning. Hundreds of vehicles, including jeeps, cars, vintage cars and motorcycles participated in the rally.

The ‘peace rally’, which kicked off in Khunjerab on Oct 21, will end in Gwadar on Oct 31.

Aimed at marking the 70th year of the country’s independence and promote tourism and national cultural heritage, the rally is held under the auspices of the Pakistan Army.

Rose petals were sprinkled on the rally participants in Dera Ismail Khan, while music, traditional dance and horse race were presented on the occasion.

Inspector General of FC KP Major-General Khalid Javed saw the participants off for Gomal Zam area.

Also, a rally consisting of 45 vehicles and dozens of motorbikes left Bannu for Gomal Zam area to join the peace rally.

Major-General Azhar Mehmood inaugurated the rally from Razmak Gate, Bannu.

A large number people, including elders, attended the event for which elaborate security arrangements were made.

The vehicles were decorated with Pakistani flags. Khattak dance and national songs were presented on the occasion.

In Tank, the car rally was given a warm welcome.

Stalls of cold drinks and other eatables were set up at different places the rally’s participants.

Deputy commissioner Raja fazal haq, DPO Shah Nazar Khan, Brigadier Amir Abbas and Colonel Nadeem jointly welcomed the rally.

The rally later left for Razmak, South Waziristan, via Sara Rogha, Makeen, where the participants will spend night and reach Gomal Zam via Ladha and Shahkai routes next day.

Originating from Khunjerab, passing through Gilgit, Islamabad, South Waziristan, Quetta and Karachi, the rally will culminate in Gwadar after covering more than 3,000 kilometers. It will also showcase the country’s tourism potential, cultural heritage and sports talents, promote motor sports and encourage vintage preservation.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2017