LAYYAH: Nadir Magsi won the race in the second Thal jeep rally that ended here on Sunday in the desert tehsil of Layyah.

Last year’s winner Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad stood second while Anas Khakwani secured third position.

As many as 70 racers, including two females, had got themselves registered for the three-day event. On Nov 18, 32 racers, including two females, participated in the Stock Category and in the Prepared Category 41 drivers took part. The race started from Muhammadwala in Muzzaffargarh and the drivers had a 20-minute break.

The 180-km [tough] desert track was built especially for the race. Nadir Magsi covered the time in two hours and 17 minutes, Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad took two hours and 32 minutes while Anas Khakwani completed the track in two hours and 34 minutes.

Fifteen cars broke down, including prominent driver Rohni Patel’s vehicle. The tyres of Sahibzada Sultan’s vehicle burst but he travelled 15 kilometres on burst tires to complete the race and clinched second position.

A large number of people turned up to enjoy the colourful events of Thal mela. The police had made foolproof security arrangements and 250 personnel provided [security] cover to the venue and 45 traffic policemen managed vehicular flow and parking of motors.

Rescue 1122, agriculture, livestock, police and social welfare departments had established their stalls. A number of people visited the stalls and took interest in different types of weapons placed at the police stall.

Social welfare departments’ stall “Sanat Zar” grabbed the attention of women who evinced interest in the local embroidery. The students of a local university performed different dances and a tableau.

Horse and camel dances were also performed and tent pegging competition was held as well

The three-day festivity came to an end with a prize-awarding ceremony and Nadir Magsi was given Rs150,000 cash prize.

Deputy Commissioner Wajid Ali Shah while talking to Dawn said next year race would start from Chobara Tehsil instead of Muhammadwala and “we will prepare 160-km track in the desert tehsil of Chobara.”

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2017