Pak organises cycle race in militancy-hit northwest

Pakistan today organised a 350-kilometre-long cycle race in its militancy-hit northwest in a bid to boost international tourism and cross-border peace in which several Afghan and Pakistani cyclists participated.

The first phase of the three-day Tour de Galiyat National Cycling Race started from Peshawar and concluded at Islamabad.

The race is being jointly organised by Tourism Corporation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, KP Cycling Association and Pakistan Cycling Federation with an aim to promote tourism and project a "soft image" of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which is plagued by severe insurgency that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.

Nearly 80 cyclists are participating in the race.

Earlier today, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Tourism Abdul Munim inaugurated the race in Peshawar during a colorful ceremony.

(This article has not been edited by DNA's editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.)