Cholistan abuzz with jeep rally, allied events.

Byline: Majeed Gill

BAHAWALPUR -- The 15th edition of the Cholistan jeep rally kicked off in style at the historic Derawar Fort about 70 kilometres from here.

The opening day of the desert jeep rally attracted a large number of people from all parts of Cholistan and rural and urban areas nearby. The qualifying round of the participating owners, drivers and their navigators was held in the area that wore a beautiful look.

According to a report received by Dawn from one of the main participants, Dr Raheel Ahmed Siddiqui, the qualifying round of the prepared and stock categories was won by last year's winner Nadir Magsi (Sindh) and Zafar Khan Magsi. Their time was recorded as 1 min and 48.30 seconds and 1 min and 58.22 seconds.

In the prepared category's qualifying round, Asif Fazal Chaudhry, Sahibzada Sultan and Zain Mehmood (of four by four racing club) were placed in second, third and fourth positions respectively. In the vehicles' stock category qualifying round, Amer Magsi, Zarain Magsi and Rashid Ali were adjudged second, third and fourth respectively.

Earlier, the technical inspection of the vehicles, their registration process and the medical tests of the drivers and navigators were completed. It is learnt that driver Rashid Ali from Saudi Arabia and Ms Tushna Patel and Ms Jamila Asif also reached the Derawar Fort to participate in the jeep rally. The women's category jeep race is expected...