From Our Correspondent
DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The second ‘Derajat Off-Road Challenge’ along the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) western route kicked off Thursday.
As part of a grand Derajat festival in Dera Ismail Khan, a four-day National Off-Road Jeep Challenge is scheduled to start from March 3,2022, in Dera Ismail Khan.
Male and female jeep racers from all over the country are expected to participate in the championship.
Dera Ismail Khan is the geographical heart of Pakistan. It is accessible, hospitable and full of life and adventure. Its weather at this time of the year is one of the best in entire Pakistan and it sits at the junction of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the former Federally Administered Tribal Area, Punjab and Balochistan.
The Mega festival “Derajat festival 2022”, is organized by Divisional Administration Dera Ismail Khan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority.
Derajat is an idea that envisions Dera Ismail Khan as a unique cultural and archaeological tourism region in the southern Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Due to its rich cultural heritage, traditional sports and diverse geographical landscapes, it provides an exquisitely different tourism experience for visitors.
Derajat Off-road Challenge in its inaugural year in 2021 has established itself as one of the best-managed off-road races in Pakistan. Derajat Off-Road Challenge 2022 promises to be a competitors’, as well as, spectators’ treat.
During the first Derajat Off-Road Challenge 2021, more than 100 racers participated. However, this time the event will be more thrilling, as thousands of people from different parts of the country will watch the races.
Sharing the details of the event, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Faisal Amin Gandapur informed that all arrangements have been finalized to hold the Derajat off-road challenge.
He said that Derajat has remained a distinct historical, cultural and administrative entity over the past centuries.
Gandapur maintained that it stood high due to its unique culture, traditions, folklores, music and traditional sports. “Derawals – the people of Derajat-share a common history, heritage, cultural and social bonds,” he remarked.
He mentioned that the mela (fair) was aimed at promoting local culture and traditional art and sports. Faisal Amin said that the festival was being organized at the national level under the name of ‘Dera-jat mela’ to create a feeling of love and affection in youth for their local culture and tradition besides talent hunting.
He claimed that the festivals would not only attract the locals and guests from across the country but also boost the soft image of the country.
Gandapur said the event would promote peace and harmony in society and encourage youth to be involved in healthy activities.
He elaborated that cultural dance, tent pegging, horse and cattle show, pet show, wrestling, gymnastics and other local sports would be part of this festival.
