The opening ceremony of Sarfaranga Cold Desert Rally 2023 has just commenced. Minister Tourism GB, Commissioner Baltistan Div, Secretary Tourism & other notable figures are in attendance. Force Commander GB, is the chief guest of the event

The fifth annual colorful jeep rally and other local sports festival has officially started in the world’s highest and coldest desert Sarfa Ranga Shagar. In the opening ceremony, Provincial Minister of Tourism Ghulam Muhammad, Senior Provincial Minister of Construction Syed Amjad Zaidi, Provincial Minister of Planning. and developments Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Member of Assembly Raja Azam Khan, Force Commander Major General Kashif Khalil, Secretary Tourism and Culture Asifullah Khan, Commissioner Baltistan Division Najeeb Alam, Deputy Commissioner Shagar Waliullah Falahi including domestic and foreign tourists and a large number of people. The number of people participated. Chief guest of the opening ceremony of Sarfa Ranga Cold Desert Rally was Force Commander Major General Kashif Khalil while Mir Mehfil was Provincial Minister of Tourism and Culture Ghulam Muhammad.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief Guest Force Commander Major General Kashif Khalil said that Sarfa Ranga Cold Desert is a very important event for the development and promotion of tourism and culture in Gilgit-Baltistan and promoting healthy activities, which highlights the positive image of Gilgit-Baltistan. It will be highlighted nationally and internationally. This wonderful festival is a clear message to anti-national elements that Gilgit-Baltistan was, is and will remain a peaceful region. They announced that the champion of the jeep rally will be given a trophy along with a prize of one million on behalf of the Pakistan Army. On this occasion, he also announced the establishment of Army Public School in Shagar. In his address, he also highlighted the importance of polo and said that the game of polo has an interesting and unique place here, so for the promotion of Pakistan Army Polo in Gilgit. I am going to start polo matches very soon in Wahab Shaheed Polo Ground, in which national and international level matches will be played, which will be played during the day as well as at night, for which a regular schedule is being fixed. In his address, the force The commander thanked the local, national and international participants who participated in the colorful events in Shugar and said that the culture and hospitality here is exemplary, which you can enjoy. He said this important event. He also appreciated the efforts of the local administration, Department of Tourism and all other stakeholders for successfully organizing the event.
Provincial Minister of Tourism and Culture Ghulam Muhammad said in his address at the opening ceremony that the provincial government is taking special interest in promoting tourism and maintaining peace in the region. We want to send a message to the world through such a mega event that the child of Gilgit-Baltistan is Bacha is a peaceful and patriotic citizen. He further said that the provincial government will organize various events every year, which will promote tourism in the region.
On the first day of the festival, paragliding, tug-of-war, javelin, local sword dance, gymnastics, besides the band of Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts won the hearts of the fans with their wonderful performances.
More than 125 male and female racers are participating in the Sarfa Ranga Jeep Rally. The track of the Jeep Rally has been increased from 70 km to 80 km this year.