RAWALPINDI: ‘Jeeway Pakistan Cycle Rally’ reached Rawalpindi from Muzafargarh on Tuesday, covering a distance of 780km in 13 days.

Arranged by Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), the basic aim of the rally is to create awareness of drug abuse by adopting a motto ‘Drug Free Society’.

Pursuing the anti-drug message, cyclists also distributed pamphlets, handouts, stickers at different educational institutions, public places and stopovers during their journey.

The cyclists started their journey on April 12, reaching Rawalpindi on April 24 at ANF headquarters where they were received by the ANF officials.

The ANF officials appreciated the noble cause of ‘drug awareness campaign’. The participants were encouraged and awarded cash prize of Rs50,000 along with souvenirs.

The ANF officials said the ANF had been a traditional supporter of sports activities, and had been supporting the cycle rally for the last 18 years.

The rally, headed by Latif Sial, comprised 14 legs — Multan, Khanewal, Mian Channu, Chichawatni, Sahiwal, Okara, Patoki, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Kharian, Jhelum, Sohawa, Gujar Khan and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

During the journey, they also delivered speeches and held motivational discussions for healthy environment and living. The message against drugs was also imprinted on flags, banners and T-shirts.

The rally is an expedition by itself, which is open for all volunteers to join any one leg of the journey or by welcoming the rally members at their location of convenience.

ANF officials were of the view that sports activities can play a vital role in keeping youth from unhealthy activities, including drug addiction.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2018