Grand Finale of 21st Cholistan Desert Rally Celebrates Heritage and High-Speed Competition
By Tanveer Ahmed :
The 21st TDCP International Cholistan Desert Rally reached its spectacular conclusion at the TDCP Resort Derawar, where a prestigious awards ceremony honored the top-performing drivers and navigators of this year’s competition.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb served as the guest of honor, joined by a delegation of provincial ministers including Kazim Ali Pirzada, Sohaib Ahmad Bherth, and Bilal Akbar Khan, alongside Parliamentary Secretary Rana Arif Iqbal and MPA Sahibzada Gazain Abbasi.
During her keynote address, Ms. Aurangzeb extended her congratulations to the competitors, emphasizing that the resurgence of such prominent cultural and athletic festivals aligns with the strategic vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. She highlighted how these large-scale gatherings in the Cholistan region serve as vital engines for tourism and local employment, while the inclusion of international racers helps project a sophisticated and welcoming image of Pakistan to the global community.
In a significant move for regional preservation, the Minister unveiled comprehensive restoration strategies for several key historical landmarks. The initiative focuses on the iconic Derawar Fort as well as the historic defensive chain of the Hakra region, specifically the forts of Abbas, Jamgarh, Mojgarh, Norsar, and Islamgarh. These efforts are part of a broader provincial framework designed to modernize and protect Punjab’s diverse heritage corridors.
The Minister also took a moment to recognize the logistical feat of the event, praising the coordinated efforts of the district administration and security services. She specifically commended the leadership of Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen, RPO Ghazi Salahuddin, and Tourism MD Asim Raza, among others, for ensuring a seamless execution of the rally.
Reflecting on the event’s history, she paid a special tribute to former Senator Ch Saud Majeed, who founded the rally in 2005. She noted that his original vision has successfully evolved into an internationally recognized sporting fixture that continues to draw global attention to Pakistan’s desert landscapes.
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