BAHAWALPUR: A regular participant in the Cholistan Desert Rally, Jam Kamal, the former chief minister of Balochistan, on Saturday protested against the Tourism Development Corporation, Punjab (TDCP) for lack of basic facilities like tents, juices and drinking water at the rally’s starting point, located at the distance of about 45km from the Dilwash Stadium.

He told Dawn there was not a single tent where the drivers could sit or wait for their turn and they waited for hours under the sun. On the other hand, he said there were tents, sofa sets and elaborate sitting arrangements all around the Dilwash Stadium, where the management and officials stayed. He said the TDCP had charged a heavy fee for registration but did not provide any facilities.

On Saturday, Taimoor, Hassan and Aqeel secured first, second and third positions, respectively in the class A of stock category of the Cholistan Desert Rally on Saturday.

In class B of stock category, Bismal Israr, Rashid and Sultan captured first, second and third positions, respectively. In class C of stock category, the winners were Dawoon, Hasni and Malik.

On Saturday, wrestling competitions were also held while paragliding for the people was available.

District Emergency Officer Baqir Hussain said the emergency service had been provided at 15 points around the Derawar Fort where 108 rescuers, 16 ambulances, fire engine, 12 motorbike ambulances were available.

Meanwhile, two motorcyclists died and another was injured in an accident near Bangla Mithra, Channan Pir Road, near Yazman.

According to DEO Baqir Hussain, Younus (20) and Shabbir (20) had come from Bahawalpur to Cholistan to watch the desert rally on two motorcycles.

They were involved in a motorcycle race on the road. During the race, their motorcycles collided with each other and then rammed into a tractor-trolley coming from the opposite direction.

Younus and Shabbir died on the spot while one of their pillions suffered injuries. The bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families while the injured youth was shifted to Bahawal Victoria Hospital.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2023