Punjab Tourism Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has said that history of Cholistan desert is spreading over centuries but Cholistan Jeep Rally has given real identity to this historical heritage. He expressed these views while addressing a function held on the occasion of completion of first decade of the biggest motor sports event 'Cholistan Jeep Rally' here on Saturday.
The Minister said Punjab government had decided to hold 10th national rally of four wheel jeeps over distance of 225 kilometres from Fort Derawar to inner parts of Cholistan from February 13 to 15 in which more than 300,000 persons will participate. Rana Mashhood said the Punjab government had improved road network from Bahawalpur to ancient Fort Derawar. He also said they had to maintain that desert of historical importance in its real condition for which international institutions would be contacted.
He said the government accorded top priority to promotion of tourism. "Projects of installation of cable car at Soon Valley of district Khushab and Fort Munro at Dera Ghazi Khan are in the final stages of completion while tourist bus service will be started within next two months for the facility of tourists in Lahore, the largest cultural hub of the country," he added.
On the occasion, an agreement was signed between Managing Director Tourism Development Corporation Punjab Aamir Malik and Marketing Head Mountain Dew Usman Shahid for the sponsorship of Cholistan Jeep Rally. Concerned authorities and former governor Punjab Lieutenant General Khalid Maqbool (Retd) especially participated in the ceremony. Vice Chairman TDCP Board of Governor Imran Ali Goraya, Secretary Tourism Muhammad Khan Khitchi, Chief Executive Walled City Project Kamran Lashari, Chairman Chief Minister's Inspection Team Irfan Ali, Chairman Cholistan Taskforce Saood Majeed, Chief Executive Royal Palm Country Club Sheikh Muhammad Ramzan, Champion drivers Ronny Patel, Tushna Patel, Mehmood Majeed, Nawabzada Aamir Magsi, Sardar Hassan Sadiq and Muhammad Ashraf, and representative of Obara Foundation Colonel Kamal Din Rana (Retd) were also present on the occasion. They all apprised the people of salient features of Cholistan Jeep Rally and termed it an important source for creating awareness all over the world about socio economic development and desert civilisation.