BAHAWALPUR: The 20th edition of International Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally kicked off on Tuesday night at a colourful ceremony here at the DHA. The opening ceremony, where the trophy for the event was unveiled, was attended by a large number of spectators.

The function was addressed by Punjab Assembly former deputy speaker Sahibzada Usman Daud Abbasi, Punjab Tourism Secretary Farid Ahmed Tarar, Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) Managing Director Dr Nasir Mehmood Bashir, DHA Project Director retired Brig Naveed Iqbal, Chief Operating Officer (COO) retired Brig Mansoor Januja of Central Business Development Authority (CBDA), Punjab, Bahawalpur Deputy Commissioner Dr Farhan Rafique and others.

They said Bahawalpur was emerging as a big tourism hub because of motorsports and the jeep rally, that would also project a soft image of Cholistan and the country across the globe.

They said that such events also highlighted cultural and historical richness of Punjab.

A cultural show presented on the occasion enthralled the audiences.

The registration process for the rally participants and their vehicles’ technical inspection would be conducted at TDCP resort at Derawar Fort on Wednesday, while the qualifying round would be held at Dilwash Stadium, Jamgarh, on Thursday (tomorrow).

The rally’s flag-off ceremony will also be held on Feb 14 at Dilwash Stadium.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2025