DERA GHAZI KHAN: The 10th Thal Jeep Rally concluded with great fanfare, enthusiasm and a vibrant display of cultural activities.

The closing ceremony was held at the Circuit House in Muzaffargarh, where prizes were distributed.

The event was attended by special guests including Punjab Secretary of Tourism, Archaeology and Museums Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Commissioner Dera Ghazi Khan, Ashfaq Ahmed Chaudhry, TDCP Managing Director Asim Raza, renowned racer Mir Nadir Magsi and MPA Rana Abdul Manan.

The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Commissioner Muzaffargarh Usman Tahir Jappa, DGK Deputy Commissioner Usman Khalid, Kot Addu DC Syed Manoor Abbas Bukhari, SP Dr. Khadija Umar, DPO Muzaffargarh Syed Ghazanfar Ali Shah along with racers, locals and other distinguished guests.

Addressing the ceremony, Secretary Tourism Dr. Ehsan Bhutta expressed his pleasure at participating in the closing ceremony. He commended the efforts of the district administrations of Muzaffargarh, Layyah and Kot Addu, as well as the police, Rescue 1122 and other relevant departments, stating that the event would not have been possible without their cooperation.

Women’s category winner Salma Marwat dedicates prize money to Muzaffargarh flood victims

He added that the family galas, local cultural programmes, javelin throwing, kabaddi, art performances, and magnificent musical nights held in Layyah, Kot Addu and Muzaffargarh became the hallmark of this rally, providing entertainment to thousands of people.

DGK Commissioner Ashfaq Ahmed, in his address, stated that in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, special arrangements for motor sports, rural games and cultural programmes were made to provide quality entertainment to the public. He said the administrations of all three districts worked together to make this rally a memorable event.

On the final day (Monday) of the rally, which was a public holiday, a large number of people thronged the track laid out in the Thal desert and enjoyed the races. A javelin-throwing competition and a dirt-bike race were also held the same day, which were highly appreciated by the spectators.

In a commendable act, Salma Marwat, the winner of the women’s category, dedicated her prize money to the flood victims of Muzaffargarh, a gesture that was widely praised by the participants.

At the end of the ceremony, the tourism secretary, the DGK commissioner and other distinguished guests distributed trophies and prizes among the successful racers in various categories.

Published in Dawn, November 11th, 2025