The Thal Desert Rally 2025, hosted by the Tourism Development Corporation of Punjab (TDCP), turned out to be one of the most dynamic editions the event has seen so far. Set against the sweeping sands of the Thal Desert, stretching across Muzaffargarh, Layyah, Jhang, and Kot Addu, this year’s competition unfolded over an extended 205 km track, pushing more than a hundred participants to their limits.
New Additions That Defined 2025
This year brought a few standout changes, the biggest being the introduction of the motorbike category, a first in the rally’s history. This addition not only widened the competitive spectrum but also appealed to a new segment of motorsport enthusiasts.
Another progressive step was the consistent push for gender inclusion. Women drivers took on both stock and prepared divisions, showcasing impressive competitiveness and further cementing the rally’s commitment to diversity.
Safety and spectator support were also strengthened. The Punjab government deployed security teams, medical units, and Rescue 1122 along various points of the route, ensuring a secure experience for both racers and visitors. Surrounding the main event, the traditional Thal Mela brought cultural festivities to life with folk music, craft stalls, and local cuisine, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere.
Race Categories & Key Performances
TDCP structured the 2025 edition into three major competition groups: Prepared, Stock, and Women. The Prepared and Stock classes were each further broken down into A, B, C, and D subcategories, with an additional Veteran class included under Stock.
Prepared Category (Modified Vehicles)
A-Prepared: Faisal Shadi Khel, navigated by Zafar Shadi Khel, took the top spot with a time of roughly 2:10:18.
Mir Nadir Magsi and Muhammad Raza Saeed claimed second and third.
In the other Prepared subcategories, standout performances included Dr. Haris Khan & Hassan Aqib (C-Prepared) and Zafar Baloch & Siraj Baloch (D-Prepared).
In the Women’s Prepared race, Salma Marwat with navigator M. Tahir secured a decisive win.
Stock Category (Standard or Lightly Modified Vehicles)
A-Stock: Muhammad Abdullah Marwat and Syed Zahid Bukhari clocked the fastest time at around 2:27:36.
Syed Asif Imam and Shoaib Javed completed the podium.
B-Stock was dominated by Azmer Saranjam, closely followed by Muhammad Rayan Khalil.
C-Stock: Muhammad Hassan Jhandir stood out with a strong run.
D-Stock: Usama Hiraj claimed first place.
Veteran Class: Muhammad Anas Khakwani took the win, with Mir Amir Magsi and Muhammad Ashraf behind him.
Women’s Stock: Ambreen Faraz & Humaima Faraz were the fastest duo in their category.
Machines on the Track
While not every vehicle model was listed in media coverage, the race structure gives a clear picture:
Prepared class vehicles were heavily tuned for speed, durability, and suspension control, purpose-built for harsh desert racing.
Stock class competitors drove standard or slightly modified off-road vehicles, making the competition accessible to newer drivers.
Women racers participated across both divisions, highlighting the growing depth of female talent in off-roading.
Across categories, teamwork between drivers and co-drivers, precision navigation, and mechanical endurance made the long sandy course a true test of skill.
Why This Year Mattered
The 2025 rally didn’t just deliver adrenaline, it reaffirmed the event’s broader goals. TDCP’s continued efforts to promote southern Punjab as a vibrant tourism destination were clearly visible. The improved safety systems, increased participation, especially from women, and the addition of the motorbike class reflect a forward-thinking approach.
Moreover, the four-day event ran smoothly with no major incidents, thanks to coordinated security, rescue, and medical oversight.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Thal Desert Rally 2025 proved to be a milestone year. A longer track, expanded categories, strong female participation, and a rich cultural backdrop made this edition stand out. It highlighted the region’s potential as a motorsport and tourism hub, while delivering a thrilling experience for racers and spectators alike.
