Originally military surplus trucks used by the U.S. Army during World War II, the GMC 6×6 trucks found a new purpose in Thar’s sandy wilderness
With its crab-like appearance and six reinforced wheels, the Khekhro was engineered to conquer the unforgiving terrain, gliding over dunes and navigating terrain where modern vehicles often falter.
By Ali Nawaz Rahimoo
In the vast, arid expanse of the Thar Desert, where the scorching sun blazes relentlessly and the winds sculpt endless dunes, life is a relentless battle against nature’s harshest elements. Covering over 22,000 square kilometers in southeastern Pakistan’s Sindh province, the Thar Desert is one of the world’s most challenging environments—an inhospitable landscape characterized by minimal rainfall, extreme temperatures, and rugged terrain. Yet, amid these adversities, the resilient spirit of its people shines brightest, symbolized by their unique vehicles—the Khekhro.
Originally military surplus trucks used by the U.S. Army during World War II, the GMC 6×6 trucks found a new purpose in Thar’s sandy wilderness. After Pakistan’s independence, border forces auctioned off these tough vehicles, which local mechanics and entrepreneurs quickly adapted to meet the needs of the desert communities. The people adapted and repurposed these trucks for civilian transport. These were men of the community, local transporters themselves, who recognized that the trucks had capabilities far beyond hauling ammunition or transporting soldiers. Men like Rano Registani and Photo Jogee recognized their potential to become more than military gear—they became lifelines for transportation and survival. The Khekhras have extended body frames to accommodate dozens of passengers and livestock, reinforced suspensions and wider tires for sand dune navigation and added wooden or metal roofing, side panels, and even music systems playing Thari folk tunes.
It is said that between 1965 and 1971, during heightened border tensions and the Indo-Pak wars, several GMC 6×6 military trucks were retired and auctioned off by Pakistani border forces.
With its crab-like appearance and six reinforced wheels, the Khekhro was engineered to conquer the unforgiving terrain, gliding over dunes and navigating terrain where modern vehicles often falter. Capable of carrying dozens of passengers and several tons of goods and livestock, the Khekhro embodies the spirit of resilience, freedom, and adaptability that defines the Thari people. Its extended body, reinforced suspension, and durable tires make it a true workhorse, bridging the vast distances between remote villages and vital markets.
Today, despite introduction of air-conditioned passenger coaches, plying between Thar Desert’s cities and Karachi and Hyderabad cities, the iconic Khekhro continues to play a vital role in the socio-economic fabric of the desert. Innovative local mechanics are transforming these vehicles into hybrid rural buses, adding seats, windows, and suspension systems for safer, more comfortable journeys. Despite rapid infrastructure development and improved roads, the Khekhro remains a powerful cultural symbol—standing tall as a legacy of survival, ingenuity, and community strength.
More than just a mode of transport, the Khekhro is a testament to human resilience against the relentless desert environment. It represents the enduring spirit of the Thari people—adapting, evolving, and thriving in one of the most inhospitable regions on earth. Truly, the Khekhro is the undisputed “King of the Desert,” ruling the sands with its unyielding strength and cultural significance.
The Khekhro, the modified vehicle can drive in areas without paved roads or regular bus services. This makes it especially useful for people who live in rural areas, where public transportation is limited. If there is a natural disaster, the Khekhro can be used to help people who have been affected. In Umarkot, many Khekhros are being converted into rural buses, marking a new chapter in Thar’s transport evolution. With increased road connectivity and a growing demand for safer, more comfortable travel, local mechanics and transporters are retrofitting the rugged Khekhros adding seating rows, windows, covers, and even installing modest suspension systems to ease the bumpy ride.
These conversions are driven by both necessity and innovation. While the Khekhro’s original design was ideal for unpaved dunes, newly built roads under development programs have made wheel-based bus formats more viable. The result: hybrid desert buses that blend the durability of the Khekhro with the structure of conventional passenger vehicles.
Still, the Khekhro retains its soul loud folk songs, a tight-knit driver crew, and a deep connection with desert communities. As Umarkot and surrounding areas continue to develop, the reborn Khekhro-buses are keeping the cultural legacy alive while meeting the demands of the present. From a symbol of survival to a sign of progress, the “king of the desert” isn’t fading away, it’s evolving.
(AI-augmented article)
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Ali Nawaz Rahimoo is a freelance writer based in Umarkot, Sindh
Still main source of transportation in thar desert 6×6 drive desert area. Good article
I was traveled in thar desert GMC Khekrao.no doubt king of Desert. Still Thar desert muddy tracks mostly villages in non metallic road networks.
Waoo good article written by author. Sindh Courier has published good articles.
I traveled to GMC 6×6 in the desert. It was so much fun and I really enjoyed it.
Still Tharparkar district 70% villages no any metlic roads. JMC Kekhro still the main source of transportation.
This KHEKHRO can be used for desert safari and can attract thousands of tourists . Going over the sand dunes is fantastic as I have traveled on it and no other vehicle can do it. Call me 0300 8502223