MITHI, March 28 Twenty-two drivers from Sindh, Balochistan and Punjab participated in the 97-kilometre Thar desert marathon motor race on Saturday.

Asad Khuhro, Manzoor Magsi and MNA Mir Amar Khan Magsi came first, second and third respectively and were awarded cash prizes of Rs300,000, Rs200,000 and Rs100,000.

Sindh Minister for Excise and Taxation Mukesh Kumar Chawla opened the race at bypass road near Mithi. Mr Chawla also took part in the race.

A large number of people witnessed the race, standing on the sand dunes near the bypass on both sides of the road and cheered the participants with enthusiasm and traditional fervour. Many complained that there were no proper arrangements for drinking water.

Speaking as chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony, Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza said that the race should not be considered as useless or non-beneficial. It was a healthy activity which was likely to open doors of bright future to the drought-hit Thar and pave the way for the development of the backward area.

He said that such events would introduce Thar to national and international levels and announced that the motor races should be arranged at least once a year in Thar.

He said he would pay registration fee of two Thari drivers from his own pocket who would participate in the motor race and announced token money of Rs100,000 for the district government to organise the race next year.

MPA Sharjil Inam Memon claimed that despite hue and cry by some elements against the motor race, the activity would prove beneficial for the future of Thar because it had provided an opportunity to media and scores of outsiders to visit Thar, witness its problems and poverty and explore possibilities for extending a helping hand in this regard.

“Thar Desert Marathon has actually got no connection with drought conditions or delay in supply of wheat but some circles made unjustified criticism against it,” Mr Memon said.

He said that wheat would soon be supplied to the drought-hit Tharis.