BAHAWALPUR: In a major upset, Khalid Hamid has emerged as “sultan” (champion) of the five-day 21st Cholistan International Desert Jeep Rally, while Salma Marwat Khan retained her top position among the female racers, on the concluding day of the mega sports event held near the historic Derawar Fort, about 70kms from here on Sunday.

According to unofficial results, Khalid Hamid covered total distance of 452kms in two rounds of the prepared category in total three hours and fifty-three minutes — a new record since the jeep rally was introduction on a small scale in the vast desert of Cholistan back in 2005.

Hamid was neither prominent in the qualifying round of the drivers, nor he captured any position in the first round of the prepared category on Friday.

According to unofficial results, Hamid was followed by Hussain Asef and Sahibzada Sultan Ahmed, who clinched the second and third positions by covering the distance in three hours and fifty-four minutes and four hours and fourteen minutes, respectively.

However, in the women’s category, Ms Salma Marwat Khan was the topper, retaining her last year’s title.

The event also featured dirt bike and truck races in the desert.

As part of the event, the divisional administration organised a cultural night and a spectacular fireworks display at Dilwash Stadium on Saturday night, attended by thousands of spectators, who were entertained by the performance of popular singers, including Sahir Ali Bagga, Gulabo and Seraiki singers for hours.

Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen was the chief guest.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2026