DERA ISMAIL KHAN — The vibrant and culturally rich Derajat Festival 2025 concluded in spectacular fashion on Sunday with a dazzling closing ceremony held at the iconic Ratta Kulachi Sports Stadium. The grand finale was not just a celebration of tradition and talent, it was a powerful testament to the spirit, strength, and unity of the people of the region.
The event was graced by Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, who presided as the chief guest, applauding the exceptional performances of participants across a wide spectrum of competitions, with the off-road jeep rally emerging as the highlight of the entire 40-day extravaganza.
A Festival that Brought Culture, Courage, and Competition Together
Spanning over 40 action-packed days, the Derajat Festival was a melting pot of traditional heritage and modern excitement. It featured a dazzling mix of sports and cultural displays from heart-pounding jeep races and the noble art of tent pegging to horse riding, kabaddi, wrestling, and boxing. In addition, livestock showcases, horse parades, pet exhibitions, art installations, Quran recitations, and Naat contests painted a vivid picture of the region’s deep-rooted traditions.
This year’s festival was not only bigger in scale but deeper in meaning, reflecting the pulse of a region determined to reclaim its place on the cultural and tourism map of Pakistan.
Off-Road Glory: Nadir Magsi Dominates the Dirt
In the heart-pounding climax of the jeep rally, racing legend Nadir Magsi once again asserted his dominance on the off-road circuit, clinching victory in the fiercely competitive Category-A. Navigating the punishing 69-kilometre track with precision and power, Magsi clocked an astonishing time of 44 minutes and 18 seconds, thrilling fans and setting the bar high for his fellow competitors.
The off-road challenge, split into four categories, drew 22 of Pakistan’s finest racers, each pushing their machines and limits to the edge:
Category-A: Nadir Magsi – 44:18 (1st Place)
Category-B: Gohar – 49:01
Category-C: Bewar Mazari – 50:59
Category-D: Shakeel – 49:59
Crowds roared from the sidelines as engines roared through the rugged terrain, showcasing not just skill and speed but the raw energy and passion of Pakistani motorsport.
A Message of Peace and Progress
Chief Minister Gandapur, in his address, praised the peaceful and successful execution of the festival, declaring it a beacon of hope and resilience. “The Derajat Festival has once again proved that this land is rich not only in culture and tradition but also in potential and promise,” he said.
He paid tribute to the sacrifices of the security forces and the local population; whose efforts made the smooth conduct of the event possible. As a token of appreciation, he announced a cash reward of Rs10,000 for each police, rescue, and security official involved in the festival’s success.
“This is the true face of our province—resilient, vibrant, and united,” he added, reaffirming his government’s commitment to transparency, merit, and the promotion of sports and tourism in line with the vision of Imran Khan.
A Roaring Conclusion, A Hopeful Tomorrow
The Derajat Festival 2025 may have ended, but the echoes of revving engines, applauding crowds, and cultural melodies will resonate for a long time. With every successful event, the region cements its identity as a hub of peace, heritage, and adventure.
As the dust settles on the rally track and the stadium lights dim, one thing is clear, Derajat is not just a place on the map. It’s a movement. And it’s racing full throttle into a brighter future.
