DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The qualifying round of the thrilling Off-Road Challenge under Derajaat 2025 Festival concluded near the Yarik Interchange on M-14 CPEC Western Route here on Friday.

The event drew participation from approximately 45 to 50 teams, including four women teams. Notably, Aila Malik, a local racer, also participated in this prestigious competition.

The qualifying round was held at a specially designated track and attended by a large crowd.

On Saturday, racers from the Stock category, including local and women drivers, will compete on the track. A total of seven women racers are participating in the event, most of whom have travelled from other cities to take part in the rally. The final day of the event, Sunday, will feature professional drivers in the Prepared (professional) category.

Chief guest for the Friday’s event was provincial minister for sports and youth affairs Syed Fakhar Jehan.

Dera city mayor Umer Amin Khan Gandapur, director general sports Abdul Nasir Khan, regional sports officer Raziullah Betani, deputy director operations Jamshed Baloch, the district sports officer as well as senior officials from various departments were also present.

Earlier, Mr Jehan along with Umer Amin and other racers inspected the track and expressed satisfaction with the arrangements.

Addressing the participants, Mr Jehan welcomed all racers, highlighting the Off-Road Challenge as a signature and exhilarating segment of Derajaat Festival.

He noted that the event offered a spectacular experience for motorsports fans. “The track is exceptional and comprehensive arrangements have been made for the occasion.”

To encourage the participants and distribute prizes, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has also arrived in Dera, also his home town.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2025