BAHAWALPUR: The 18th edition of international Cholistan Desert Rally started with a colourful cultural show and impressive ceremony held at tastefully decorated DHA Banquet Hall where the rally trophy was also unveiled on Tuesday.

The rally is being organised by the divisional administration in coordination with the Tourism Development Corporation, Punjab (TDCP). Its related festivities will continue till Feb 12 when the prize distribution ceremony will be held in the desert near the Derawar Fort.

The trophy was unveiled by Divisional Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar, TDCP Managing Director Agha Ali Abbas, DHA project director retired Brig Basharat and RPO Rai Babar Saeed.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner and TDCP MD said now the rally was known across the globe and it painted a soft image of Pakistan and Cholistan. They said the rally highlighted the culture, civilisation, heritage and history of the area. They welcomed the participation of women in the rally.

Event manager Nauman Khan informed the audience that foreign drivers were also participating in the rally. A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the TDCP and DHA for the promotion of tourism.

Over an hour long variety show depicting the inter-provincial culture and civilisation was held receiving a big applause from the audiences, including a large number of government officials, male and female drivers, civil society members and the office-bearers of the Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Meanwhile, a food street in connection with the desert rally opened inside Farid Gate on Tuesday.

The commissioner along with City Assistant Commissioner Dr Anum Fatimah inaugurated the food street.

A cycle race was also organised at the banks of the local canal. It was largely participated by schoolchildren and members of civil society led by the divisional commissioner.

The DC said such events would also be initiated in the districts of Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan.

A painting exhibition related to the previous rallies by the young artists was held at Bahawalpur Museum.

Commissioner Raja Jahangir Anwar inaugurated the exhibition, which attracted a large number of people from all walks of life.

The participating drivers of the rally will move to desert by Wednesday evening (today) while technical inspection of their vehicles will be carried out on Thursday (tomorrow).

During the rally the participating drivers will cover 500km distance in two days in accordance with the programme already notified earlier.

Published in Dawn, February 8th, 2023