101 racers compete in Thal Jeep Rally qualifiers

MUZAFFARGARH: The 11th TDCP Thal Desert Jeep Rally 2026 continued with great enthusiasm on its second day, with 101 racers participating in the qualifying round as tourism and sporting activities gathered momentum across Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu and Layyah.

The four-day event is being organised by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP) in collaboration with the district administrations of Muzaffargarh, Kot Addu and Layyah, in line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision of promoting tourism, culture and sports across the province.

Deputy Commissioner Muzaffargarh Usman Tahir Jappa is leading the district-level arrangements for the rally. TDCP General Manager Operations Farhat Hussain Farooq and District Police Officer Kot Addu Qamar Mansoor formally inaugurated the qualifying round.

A total of 101 racers, including 96 men and five women, took part in the competition. The three-kilometre qualifying track tested the participants’ driving skills and speed. Muhammad Khan Mazari from Rajanpur was the first racer to set off on the track.

In the prepared category, Faisal Shadi Khel secured first position after completing the track in one minute and 31 seconds. Raza Saeed finished second with a time of one minute and 32 seconds, while Mir Nadir Magsi claimed third position after completing the course in one minute and 33 seconds.

Renowned racer Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad also demonstrated his driving skills, completing the track in one minute and 34 seconds.

In the stock category, Rab Nawaz Joya secured first position with the fastest time of one minute and 50 seconds. Syed Asif Imam finished second with a time of one minute and 51 seconds and 52 points, while Safwan Javed claimed third position with the same time and 72 points.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Usman Tahir Jappa, accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner Municipal Services Muhammad Yousaf Chhina, visited different locations of the Thal Desert Jeep Rally to inspect the arrangements and review facilities for participants and visitors.

Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said the participation of racers from across Pakistan reflected the growing popularity of motorsports and tourism in the Thal desert region.

He particularly highlighted the participation of female racers, saying their presence demonstrated women’s growing interest and capabilities in the field of sports.

Jappa said the rally would help introduce the region’s cultural heritage, local traditions and tourist attractions to a wider national audience. It would also contribute to tourism development and strengthen the local economy by attracting visitors and creating opportunities for local communities.

According to the announced schedule, the stock category jeep race and traditional sports competitions will be held at Changa Manga Tilla on November 7. The stock category race is scheduled to take place from 9:30am to 3pm, allowing racers from across the country to demonstrate their driving abilities.

The four-day event aims to promote tourism in the Thal region, highlight local culture and traditional sports, and provide healthy entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors.

The participation of national and international racers, alongside cultural programmes and recreational activities, is expected to showcase the natural beauty and tourism potential of the Thal desert across the country.