Every year in Pakistan, TDCP (Tourism Development Corporation Pakistan) arranges a jeep rally in a very historical place of Pakistan "Derawer Fort".

Derawar Fort is a large square fortress in Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan. The forty bastions of Derawar are visible for many miles in Cholistan Desert. The walls have a circumference of 1500 metres and stand up to thirty metres high.

Cholistan Desert Jeep Rally (or simply "Cholistan Jeep Rally" or also known as "TDCP Cholistan Jeep Rally") is a rally raid type of off-road race, organised by the TDCP in Pakistan. The event is annually run in the Cholistan Desert venue. It was first introduced in 2005 by Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP). The event is run by the Government of Punjab. The rally initiates near the Derawar Fort in Bahawalpur. Around 100 drivers and teams from all over Pakistan participate and almost 100,000 visitors witness it every year.

I also visited this mega event this year and captured a few pictures which show my presence in desert. People often visit this event with their friends and family, they enjoy bar be que in the chilling night of desert, dance on folk songs and enjoy the experience of camping. 

 

It is interesting to note that the word "Jeep" in the name of the rally has nothing to do with the car company "Jeep". This rally is not sponsored by or for exclusive use of Jeep vehicles. In Pakistan, the name/word Jeep has been used interchangeably for off-road vehicles or SUVs. It is not uncommon to hear phrases like "I have a Toyota Land Cruiser jeep", or "I drive a Nissan Patrol jeep".

The purpose to hold this event in the heart of Cholistan desert is to show outside world its history and rich culture and open this area as a winter tourist destination. It is anticipated that event will receive widespread projection in print and electronic media.