The much-anticipated Saifee Burhani Car Rally 2024 took place on 22nd December 2024 in Karachi, bringing together car enthusiasts and families for an exciting, fun-filled adventure. Organized by Burhani Guards Pakistan, a volunteer force of the Dawoodi Bohra community, the rally marked its 12th edition since its inception in the year 2000. This event, held after a gap of nearly eight years, was a unique blend of road ethics, friendly challenges, teamwork, and technological innovation.
Event Overview and Community Participation
The Saifee Burhani Car Rally is a community-exclusive event aimed at promoting road safety and civic responsibility while simultaneously offering recreational activities. The event, organized by Division IV of Burhani Guards Pakistan based in Shabbirabad, Karachi, emphasized adherence to road ethics, teamwork, and effective problem-solving. With 110 participating cars, this year’s rally provided an excellent platform to reaffirm the importance of road discipline and community spirit.
The rally was designed in a scavenger hunt model, where participants received clues and riddles via a proprietary mobile app. The goal was to decipher these clues to reach hidden checkpoints across Karachi. Each checkpoint had a QR code, which participants had to scan to stamp their arrival digitally. This system allowed for greater transparency and efficiency in tracking the rally’s progress. Upon arrival at each checkpoint, participants were greeted by Burhani Guards volunteers, who welcomed them with snacks, drinks, and gifts for the journey.
The Route and Key Stops
The rally route spanned an impressive 150 kilometers, taking participants through various landmarks of Karachi. Starting from the Yousufi Masjid Complex off Tipu Sultan Road, the first car left at 9:05 AM, with the last car departing by 10:35 AM. Along the way, the rally made 16 stops, each offering a different experience, such as souvenir stops, wellness exhibitions, group activities, and even excursions to Bahria Town Karachi.
Some notable stops included:
- Roshan Sanitary on Amir Khusro Road for a souvenir stop
- Bombay Sweets off Tariq Road for a sweet and savory giveaway
- Al Nadi Al Burhani on Queens Road for a wellness exhibition
- Bohra Soda at James Terrace Road for a refreshing soda stop
- Bohrapir for Ziarat (pilgrimage site visit)
- The North Walk in North Nazimabad for a group activity
- A plantation drive at NIPA in Gulistan e Johar
- Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin School of Law at University of Karachi
Adherence to Road Safety and the Role of Marshalls
The rally wasn’t just about fun—it was also about promoting road safety. Cars were judged on their adherence to traffic laws, including maintaining speed limits, wearing seat belts, and obeying traffic signals. Hidden marshalls ensured that participants followed these rules, helping to emphasize the importance of road safety while fostering a spirit of camaraderie.
Technological Integration: A Modern Touch to the Event
One of the highlights of the Saifee Burhani Car Rally 2024 was the integration of technology. For the first time, the event leveraged a proprietary mobile application designed to enhance the participant experience. This app allowed participants to track their progress, solve riddles, and engage with the event more interactively. It also helped organizers in compiling results quickly and efficiently, ensuring transparency in the process.
Winning Prizes and Recognition
The rally featured exciting prizes for the winners. Some of the awards included:
- 1st Prize: 4 sponsored air tickets to Karbala and Najaf by Iraqi Airways
- 2nd Prize: Electric Scooter by Mellinuim Icon (GFS Builders)
- 3rd Prize: 65” LED TV by Prime Enterprises
- Best Woman Driver: A home cleaning robot by Al-Cleen Janitorial products
Other special prizes were awarded to the oldest registered car, the eldest participating member, and the newest registered car.
A Grand Conclusion and Community Spirit
The rally culminated at the Naya Nazimabad Gymkhana, where participants enjoyed a grand dinner of sizzling Bar B Que, accompanied by the chilly winds of Karachi’s winter. This final meal was followed by a presentation ceremony, where prizes were distributed, and participants celebrated their achievements.
A Celebratory and Meaningful Event
The 12th edition of the Saifee Burhani Car Rally was more than just a car rally—it was a celebration of community, camaraderie, and technology. By blending road safety education, recreational activities, and modern technological integration, this event set a new standard for community-driven initiatives in Karachi. It was a successful mix of tradition and innovation, leaving participants eagerly awaiting the next edition of the rally.
