21st Cholistan Desert Rally Kicks Off with Over 120 Racers
The 21st edition of the Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally officially kicked off with an energetic inauguration ceremony and the trophy unveiling at DHA Bahawalpur. As one of Pakistan’s biggest motorsport events, the rally promises five days of off-road action combined with rich cultural celebrations in the vast expanse of the Cholistan Desert.
Official Flag-Off Ceremony
The rally was formally launched on Tuesday by Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen, with Lieutenant General Muhammad Aqeel, Commander of the Bahawalpur Corps, serving as the chief guest. The event drew civil and military officials, motorsport enthusiasts, and media from across the country.
More than 120 drivers, including an impressive number of women participants, will compete across a 500-kilometre desert course covering parts of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan districts.
Schedule and Race Categories
After registration of drivers today, the rally begins with vehicle scrutineering and a driver briefing near Derawar Fort, the iconic landmark of the region.
- Qualifying rounds start February 12 at Dilwash Stadium
- Main rally flag-off takes place on February 13
Race categories include:
- Stock and Prepared 4×4 classes
- Dirt bike and truck races
- Special categories for women racers and veterans
Culture Meets Motorsport
The rally isn’t just about racing, it’s also a celebration of local culture. DHA Bahawalpur has curated a series of activities for thousands of attendees on 14th February:
- Cultural nights with traditional music and dance
- Fireworks shows
- Food street showcasing local cuisine
- Camel races, goat shows, and wrestling matches
These attractions aim to promote Punjab’s cultural heritage alongside adventure tourism.
Safety and Tourism Boost
Over 2,000 security personnel including the traffic police officials have been deployed across key locations to ensure visitor safety and smooth rally operations. The event also provides a major boost to local tourism, drawing visitors, vendors, and media attention from across the region.
What’s Next?
The rally concludes on February 15 with a prize distribution ceremony, crowning champions across multiple categories.
As Pakistan’s motorsport scene grows, the Cholistan Desert Rally continues to stand out blending adrenaline-fueled sport with traditional culture, and drawing attention to the beauty and heritage of southern Punjab.
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