The Tourism Minister, Nelofar Bakhtiar has invited the tourists, students and foreigners to take part in 'Freedom Rally Ormara Balochistan' on the occasion of 'Independence Day'. She was addressing a press conference here on Monday on 'Balochistan Rally' to show solidarity with the people of Balochistan.
She said that 'Makran Mela' would be inaugurated on the evening of August 13, which would include cultural events and fireworks will be started after 12 pm.
Quaid-e-Azam, President Pervez Musharraf, PM Shaukat Aziz trophy and Jam Yousaf trophies will be awarded to winners of the rally alongwith cash prizes. She invited national and international tourists to join the Freedom Rally to show solidarity with the Baloch people.
Organiser of the rally, Awais Iqbal said that such events help boost tourism industry in Pakistan. He said that in 2004, the event was organised in Gwader, in 2005 in Pasni and in 2006 it will be arranged in Ormara.
He said that arrangements were being finalised and drivers were being given guidelines for participating in the rally.
He said that on August 12, motorcycle race will be held. On August 13, Makran Festival will be inaugurated and a grand musical show was also part of the Independence Day celebrations.
He said that 15 minutes rest time would be given to participants at the 7 base camps of Tourism Ministry. Flag hoisting ceremony will be held on August 14 at each camp.
He said that UAE team will participate in the rally and its members have already arrived in Karachi. The management was trying to attract tourists from Bahrain and Oman in future rallies. Meanwhile 50 participants have already confirmed their participation in the rally, he added.
He also invited the motor industry to send their drivers and vehicles to take part in the rally to make this Freedom Rally successful. To a question, Awais Iqbal said that in future rallies, trucks would also be allowed for which the Tourism Ministry will issue special permission.
He advised the drivers to cover their head with helmets during the race and use covered jeeps for the participation in the rally. Nelofar said that the ministry has announced special discount for students.