KARACHI: A unique donkey cart race, organized by the administration of Pakistan’s southern Karachi port city to promote the traditional regional sport, elicited an enthusiastic response on Sunday, with over 40 participants vying for the title.
Donkey cart races have been a staple in the cultural landscape of various regions in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas where they are often featured as part of local festivals or special events.
The sport not only embodies a tradition with significant social and entertainment value for these communities but also underscores the reliance on livestock, with donkeys predominantly used for logistical and transportation purposes.
Part of the Commissioner Karachi Sports Festival, the race brought together most participants from the impoverished Lyari neighborhood of the city and was described by the organizers as part of the effort to promote “positive activities” among youth.
“I earn for my children, and I earn for it [donkey] and it earns for me in return,” Abdul Qadir, who won the race, said gleefully. “I earn my living for my children through it [donkey cart] and feed it [the donkey] like I feed my own kids and I look after it, that’s why I got this prize today.”
Another participant, Shahjahan, who stood third in the competition, said he had been driving donkey carts for the past 25 years.
“I have taken part in over 20-25 races and won first, second and third prizes,” he said with the touch of pride. “God has given me respect. Even though I am a laborer by profession, I drive a donkey cart, but by the grace of god I am able to educate my children.”
The race that began from Karachi’s ICI Bridge and ended at the commissioner’s office on Club Road what attended by Mayor Murtaza Wahab as chief guest.
He described the event as part of the city’s “ancient culture and heritage” while appreciating the love of its residents for sports.
The ongoing sports festival in the city also includes a hockey tournament, girls’ basketball tournament, cycle race and shooting ball competition.
Karachi hosts vibrant donkey cart race to revive traditional sport, engage youth in ‘positive activities’
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Karachi hosts vibrant donkey cart race to revive traditional sport, engage youth in ‘positive activities’
- Donkey cart races have been a cultural staple in various regions of Pakistan, particularly in rural environments
- Part of a larger festival, the race witnessed maximum participation from the impoverished Lyari neighborhood
Pakistan forms committee to negotiate financial advisory services for Islamabad airport privatization
- Committee to engage Asian Development Bank to negotiate terms of financial advisory services agreement, says privatization ministry
- Inaugurated in 2018, Islamabad airport has faced criticism over construction delays, poor facilities and operational inefficiencies
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Privatization Ministry announced on Wednesday that it has formed a committee to engage the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to negotiate a potential financial advisory services agreement for the privatization of Islamabad International Airport.
The Islamabad International Airport, inaugurated in 2018 at a cost of over $1 billion, has faced criticism over construction delays, poor facilities, and operational inefficiencies.
The Negotiation Committee formed by the Privatization Commission will engage with the ADB to negotiate the terms of a potential Financial Advisory Services Agreement (FASA) for the airport’s privatization, the ministry said.
“The Negotiation Committee has been mandated to undertake negotiations and submit its recommendations to the Board for consideration and approval, in line with the applicable regulatory framework,” the Privatization Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry said Islamabad airport operations will be outsourced under a concession model through an open and competitive process to enhance its operational efficiency and improve service delivery standards.
Pakistan has recently sought to privatize or outsource management of several state-run enterprises under conditions agreed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as part of a $7 billion bailout approved in September last year.
Islamabad hopes outsourcing airport operations will bring operational expertise, enhance passenger experience and restore confidence in the aviation sector.
In December 2025, Pakistan’s government successfully privatized its national flag carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), selling 75 percent of its stakes to a consortium led by the Arif Habib Group.
The group secured a 75 percent stake in the PIA for Rs135 billion ($482 million) after several rounds of bidding, valuing the airline at Rs180 billion ($643 million).
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said this week the government has handed over 26 state-owned enterprises to the Privatization Commission.
