The Sarfaranga Cold Desert Rally 2023 in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region concluded on Sunday, generating over $825,994 in business for the local private sector, according to tourism officials. The rally, held in the Sarfaranga desert of Shigar district, aimed to promote adventure tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan and boost the local economy. The event also featured activities like free-style polo, boating, river rafting, sword dances, musical performances, and rock climbing.
Over 100 jeep racers and bikers participated, including two local women drivers, with 57 drivers making it to the final round. During the closing ceremony, GB Secretary of Tourism Asif Ullah Khan announced the $825,994 (Rs230 million) in business generated during the festival.
GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah expressed hope that such events would increase the area’s publicity and change perceptions about motorsports in Pakistan, emphasizing that motorsports should be promoted more in the country.
Adil Naseem, declared “Man of the Desert” after winning Category A, noted that motorsports are often seen as a wealthy individual’s pursuit in Pakistan, despite being a multi-billion-dollar industry worldwide. He advocated for more motorsport events in the country.
Gul Naseem, a first-time participant, secured the first position in the women’s category, inspired by her husband’s involvement in the event. She shared that her husband’s frequent visits to the track sparked her interest in participating.
Navigator Syed Alyaan Ahmed, who, along with partner Mikaeel Habib, won first place in Category B, emphasized the importance of such events in placing Pakistan on the global map.
Suneel Munj, CEO of PakWheels, Pakistan’s leading automobile website, highlighted the rally’s two major achievements over its five annual editions: improving the well-being of the local community and increasing the number of rally participants. He noted that the Sarfaranga Cold Desert Rally is the second-largest rally in Pakistan, following the one held in the Cholistan desert in the country’s south.
