PESHAWAR: A large number of spectators thronged the Indus River to watch the second spectacular Water Cross Jeep Race-2016 at Swabi Point on Sunday.

Organised by Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (TCKP) and Frontier 4x4 Club, the spectators including men, women, youth and children enjoyed the game of power and force of four wheelers and the valiant drivers crossing the mighty Indus River.

The show was eye-catching but a scaring feat too as the drivers pulled over their vehicles to the banks of Indus and started racing after putting them into the gushing water.

Provincial Education Minister Atif Khan and Abbottabad Deputy Commissioner Khalid Mahmood were chief guests while TCKP general manager (events) Mohammad Ali Syed and president of Frontier 4x4 Club Babar Khan were also present on the occasion.

The organisers had established 600 metres tough and rough track of stones and rocks for the jeep racers over the Indus River. About 60 Land Cruisers, open jeeps, 4x4 jeeps, RKC and other vehicles participated in the event.

All the participants tried their best to cross the water track in the shortest possible time, but a few were lucky to win the race.

Dr Nadeem Naeem clinched first position as he crossed the track in 1.37 minutes. Capt Khalid Khan from Karachi stood second and Irshadul Haq from Abbottabad grabbed third position by passing through the track in 1.39 and 1.45 minutes time, respectively.

Speaking on the occasion, Atif Khan said that provincial government was making strenuous efforts to promote tourism and sports in the province. He said that the province was blessed with rich tourism resorts, rivers, springs, green fields and mountains and other scenic spots.

The minister said that more such events would be organised to lure tourists and visitors to the province.

Later, the minister distributed prizes among the winners.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2016