CHAKWAL: In a bid to promote tourism in Chakwal, the Tourism Development Corporation Punjab (TDCP) in collaboration with the local administration is all set to hold the first ever jeep rally in the district today (Saturday).

The two-day event has been termed a landmark for promotion of tourism in the district.

“The qualifying round would be held at 9am today in which 40 jeepers would participate,” Additional Deputy Commissioner General Mohammad Ikram Malik told Dawn. He said many famous jeepers, including Nadir Magsi, were expected to take part in the rally.

“In the qualifying round, the participants would drive their vehicles up to two kilometres and it is believed that all the 40 participants would qualify for the April 7 event,” he added.

Chakwal’s picturesque resort Dharabi Dam has been chosen as the starting and ending point of the rally. A 22km track passing through the hilly area has been prepared by TDCP.

Provincial Minister for Higher Education and Tourism Development Raja Yassir Humayun Sarfraz, who hails from Chakwal, is supervising the arrangements for the jeep rally. He visited the track on Friday and expressed his satisfaction over the arrangements.

Talking to Dawn, Mr Sarfraz said the jeep rally would be a maiden event for the promotion of tourist spots in the district.

“Chakwal district has lot of potential for tourism industry as it is blessed with numerous lakes, mountains and historic sites. But the previous government did not pay any heed towards such splendid spots of Chakwal. But we have declared Chakwal as “Lake District”, he said, adding many uplift projects for the promotion of tourist spots in the district were in pipeline.

“A tourist resort would be developed at Dharabi Dam while all other lakes would also have proper facilities which would attract tourists.” Swimming areas, fishing points and water sports would be established at all the 26 lakes of Chakwal.

“The potential of tourism industry in Chakwal could be assessed by the recent visit of an Italian tourism expert who visited the scenic points of Chakwal a couple of days ago and declared that a five-star location could be developed in the area,” the minister said.

He said when Cholistan rally was launched its distance was hardly 20 to 25km but now it had become internationally popular as more than half a million spectators enjoyed it last time.

“Chakwal would also have an annual jeep rally and its track would be further developed in the future,” he added.

Published in Dawn, April 6th, 2019