Mountaineering school in the works

Islamabad:Coordinator to the prime minister on climate change and environmental coordination Romina Khurshid Alam on Sunday said initiatives were under way to establish a mountaineering school in Gilgit-Baltistan, as directed by the prime minister.

"The mountaineering school will offer specialised training and educational facilities focused on mountaineering, sherpa training, and sustainable tourism practices, promoting eco-friendly mountaineering and mountain tourism in Pakistan's northern regions," Ms Romina told a meeting at the climate change ministry.

She said that setting up facilities that provided aspiring mountaineers and climbers with the skills and confidence to explore the mountains safely while respecting local environments, cultures, and values would be a crucial step towards promoting sustainable and eco-friendly mountaineering practices in the country.

The aide to the prime minister said the mountaineering school initiative would help foster a culture of responsible climbing, supporting the well-being of both the environment and the mountain communities.

She said Gilgit-Baltistan, known for its breath-taking landscape and majestic peaks, including the world's second-highest mountain, K2, had long been a magnet for adventurers and explorers worldwide.

"While the [GB] region boasts an abundance of natural beauty and cultural riches, it still harbours vast, untapped potential for mountaineering and climbing development. By providing training programs and facilities to enhance mountaineering skills, this potential can be harnessed, further enhancing the region's appeal and opportunities for enthusiasts," she said.

Ms Romina said the soon-to-be-established mountaineering school in Skardu would empower local and international enthusiasts with the essential skills and knowledge, cultivating a new generation of responsible mountaineers and tourism professionals.

She said those individuals would be dedicated to safeguarding the unique natural and cultural heritage of Gilgit-Baltistan, promoting sustainable tourism practices that prioritise environmental stewardship and cultural preservation.

Earlier, the meeting discussed various aspects of the mountaineering school project, including developing a comprehensive curriculum and modules for mountaineering and climbing skills, rescue training programmes, identifying a suitable site for the school, training programs for local tour guides, and exploring funding opportunities and potential collaborations.

Among the participants were additional secretary Zulfiqar Younas, deputy secretary Dr. Mazhar Hayat and deputy director Muhammad Saleem of the climate change ministry, inter-provincial coordination secretary Nadeem Irshad Kayani, education secretary Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, and representatives of the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission, GB planning and development department and mountaineer Naila Kiani.