BAHAWALPUR: A jeep in 21st Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally ran over and killed a police officer performing security, dampening the festivities of the event on Friday.

According to police, the accident took place on the track near Jamgarh mid-point. ASI Muhammad Bashir Ahmed Joyia, who was performing security duty, was killed when he was hit by the jeep of racer Faisal Shadikhel.

The reports alleged that Shadikhel lost control of his vehicle that skidded off the track and ran over ASI Joiya while other officials saved their lives by reacting promptly and getting away from the path of the coming vehicle. ASI Bashir, who died on the spot, was posted at Shahr Farid Police Station.

After the accident, the police booked Shadikhel for the killing of ASI Joiya.

Shadikhel was the unofficial winner of the first round of prepared category participants’ race on Friday. His win is considered a major upset as he was third in Thursday’s qualifying round of the prepared category.

Marrot Police Station near Jamgarh Fort in whose limits the accident took place registered a case on FIR No 46/26 under Section 322 (manslaughter) and Section 379 (theft) of the PPC on the complaint of SI Riaz Shahid.

The complainant alleged that Shadikhel committed alleged negligence on a turn that led to the accident.

Meanwhile, according to unofficial reports, Shadikhel covered 236km in 1:43 hours and became a winner. He was followed by Mir Jaffar Magsi and Hussain Asif, in second and third positions, respectively.

Magsi was in second position in Thursday’s qualifying round. The prepared category participants’ second and final round would be held on Sunday (tomorrow), the last day of the rally.

Published in Dawn, February 14th, 2026