China-Pakistan car rally in the second half of 2008 PTDC official

BEIJING, June 23 (APP) A China-Pakistan car rally will be held in the second half of 2008, said a senior official of Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC). The car rally will enter into Pakistan from Khunjerab pass and culminate in Lahore, said Tayyab Mir of PTDC while talking to APP on Monday.

He said that in Lahore, another group of Chinese drivers will join the car rally replacing the first group for return journey.

Mir pointed out that one of the Pakistani tour operators who had participated at the just concluded Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) had successfully concluded the deal in this regard with the Chinese side.

He said that as many as 35 cars will take part in the rally.

Khunjerab Pass is located on the northern border of Pakistan with China. It peaks at 4,730 meters (15,520ft) and is the highest point on the Karakorum highway. This section of the road was completed in 1982 and is considered the highest metalled border crossing in the world.

Meanwhile, PTDC Mir said also held success negotiations with Chinese tour operators under which two groups of tourists will visit Pakistan after every three months.

The Pakistani delegation led by Managing Director of PTDC Brig (rtd) Aman Ullah after representing his country at the 3-day BITE is scheduled to leave for home Monday evening.