The district administration will host the first Jhang Desert Rally 2026 from October 16 to 18, alongside a three-day cultural festival. The event will take place in the Thal Desert at Rehmat Abad in Athara Hazari tehsil.
Around 100 drivers and riders from across Pakistan, including female jeep racers, are expected to compete on a 95-kilometre off-road track.
Deputy Commissioner Babar Sahib Din announced the programme at a press conference in Lahore. He said the initiative would promote tourism and introduce Jhang’s landscape, traditions and attractions to national and international audiences.
He linked the event to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision for tourism development and preservation of local culture.
Leading racers expected to compete
Nadir Magsi is among the prominent racers expected to participate in the inaugural competition.
Sahibzada Sultan Muhammad Ali, founder and leader of the off-road racing outfit Team Sultan, confirmed his participation. He also invited motorsport enthusiasts to attend.
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Sultan said the rally would give competitors an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and establish a new sporting tradition in Jhang.
He expressed confidence that participation by leading national and international racers could help make the first edition a memorable district event. However, the announced participation estimate primarily covers drivers and riders from across Pakistan.
The competition will form the centrepiece of a broader programme combining motorsport, traditional games and family entertainment.
Tent pegging, archery and paragliding planned
Alongside racing, organisers plan to offer tent pegging, horseback archery, kabaddi, volleyball and paragliding during the three-day festival.
Main sponsor Mukarram Waheed Sheikh encouraged tourists and sports enthusiasts to visit Jhang and experience its hospitality and cultural heritage.
He singled out tent pegging and horseback archery as attractions likely to draw considerable public interest.
The administration also plans food courts and accommodation camps for visitors and participants, according to Radio Pakistan. These facilities will support tourists travelling to the desert venue for the weekend programme.
MPA Col (retd) Ghazanfar Abbas Qureshi, former MPA Faisal Hayat Jaboana and Ameer Abbas Sial also attended the Lahore briefing.
Participants supported efforts to expand recreational opportunities, preserve regional traditions and develop the district’s tourism potential.
Organisers anticipate up to 100,000 visitors
Organisers expect between 50,000 and 100,000 visitors over the three days. That remains a projection, with actual attendance depending on public response and event arrangements.
The administration hopes the gathering will support the local economy while drawing attention to Jhang as an emerging adventure tourism destination.
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The latest October 16–18 schedule differs from an earlier announcement carried by Radio Pakistan on September 26. That report listed October 9–11 for the inaugural event.
Radio Pakistan’s October 12 update confirms the Friday start and the Rehmat Abad venue.
By pairing desert racing with equestrian sports and cultural activities, organisers aim to give visitors several reasons to stay beyond the competition.
