DERA ISMAIL KHAN: An unexpected legal showdown unfolded during the qualifying round of the Derajat Off-Road Jeep Challenge when a lawyer staged a protest by blocking the rally’s track with bushes and declaring it a violation of a court order.

Nauman Akbar Advocate claimed that a section of the rally track passed through his private land, despite a stay order he had obtained from the Peshawar High Court preventing any such use.

“The court clearly barred the authorities from passing the track through my land, yet the administration ignored the ruling,” he said.

The protest disrupted the rally for some time until the district administration’s officials and event organisers negotiated with Mr Akbar, eventually reopening the route.

Says track passed through his private land in violation of court stay order

Speaking to the media, Mr Akbar said since 2021, his struggle had been about protecting cultivated land.

“In previous rallies, landowners faced damage without any compensation. In 2022, revenue staff assessed the damage at Rs2.7 million, yet in 2025 the figure was reduced to merely Rs150,000, which makes no sense.”

He emphasised that his legal petition was filed on constitutional grounds, asserting his right to property and due process. “I am not against the rally or development, but destroying people’s crops at harvest time without consent is unjust,” he added.

Nauman Akbar questioned whether harming local communities to host media-friendly events aligned with PTI government’s vision. “Is this what Imran Khan stood for? If not, those responsible must be held accountable.”

Meanwhile, the second day of the Derajat Off-Road Challenge Jeep Rally saw thrilling competitions of the stock and women’s categories.

The jeep rally is being held on a specially prepared off-road track near M-14, CPEC Western Route.

The event has been divided into different categories, including stock, women’s, and prepared vehicle competitions. The event aims not only to provide positive entertainment to the youth but also to highlight the beauty and tourism potential of the region.

The prepared category competitions will be held today (Sunday), in which dozens of expert drivers will demonstrate their skills.

Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur will also attend the closing ceremony of the jeep rally as a special guest.

A large number of people participated in the event, who arrived at different points of the track in the form of convoys from distant areas.

Special arrangements have been made for spectators to sit at specific points around the track, while refreshment stalls, medical camps, and effective security arrangements have also been made.

Published in Dawn, April 20th, 2025