Karachi marked Independence Day with a traditional donkey-cart race, with around 40 carts taking part in the event organized by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi.
The race began at 8:30am from Netty Jetty Bridge and concluded at the Commissioner’s Office. Commissioner Naqvi attended as the chief guest and distributed prizes among the winners.
Additional Inspector General of Police Azad Khan and Deputy Inspector General Traffic Syed Pir Muhammad Shah were also present. Officials said the event was aimed at promoting sports, encouraging positive activities and strengthening peace in the city.
Koel secured first place, with Majid Baloch as its rider. Peeral finished second with Cheema, while Shah Jahan took third place with Lal Badshah as its rider.
Donkey-cart racing is a traditional sport in Karachi and is held several times a year. The races typically cover a two-kilometer route on roads temporarily closed to traffic.
The sport, however, has also drawn criticism from animal rights groups over concerns about the welfare, exhaustion and possible injuries of the donkeys.
Race participants say they take care of their animals and provide them with food and rest. One racer, Abdul Majeed, said donkeys used in races are given almonds, milk and apple preserve.
Organizer Abdul Razzaq Balouch said the races aim to promote sports and encourage donkey owners to participate in the activity rather than keeping their animals at home.
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