BAHAWALPUR: On the fourth day (Saturday) of Cholistan desert rally, Khalid Hameed was adjudged first while Masood Hoth and Asif Imam were declared second and third, respectively, in the stock category.

PRO Umar Mahmood told Dawn that the stock category race was participated by total 79 racers, including five women, who were given the task to cover 216 kms distance on Saturday. According to him, in women category of stock category, Ms.Laleen Akhunzada and Ms. Zunera Mahmood were declared first and second, respectively. An Iranian and a German navigator were also included in racers.

The truck and bike races were held at the desert on Saturday. In truck race, Ahmed Shah Murchakhel was declared first while Syed Ghazanafar Agha and Ms. Sameer Malik were adjudged second and third, respectively.

The truck and jeep races were participated besides others by young Ms.Zunera Mehmood, sister of Zain Mahmood. Zain topped on Friday in the first round of prepared category race and was the champion of last year’s jeep rally. He is defending his last year’s title of champion and would be participating in the second round of prepared category on Sunday.

The second round of the prepared category racers would be held on Sunday - the last day of jeep rally when the participants would complete the coverage of a total of 452 kms distance. At the conclusion of the rally, the prize-distribution function would be held at night. A cultural night programme accompanied by fireworks was held at the desert on Saturday night.

Deputy Commissioner Bahawalpur Dr.Farhan Farooque and President Malik Sarfraz Nazim of Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) inaugurated an industrial exhibition at makeshift Expo Centre, Cholistan, as a part of jeep rally.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2025