Abdul Wahid Khan
RAWALPINDI: Alpine Club of Pakistan, the National Climbing Federation in order to promote mountaineering, climbing exposure and mountain tourism in Pakistan organized a conference titled ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism and Sports’. The conference was concluded at Pearl Continental Hotel, Rawalpindi on Tuesday.
It was organized in connection with the celebrations on International Mountain Day. The day is celebrated across the globe to create awareness about importance of mountains. Alpine Club of Pakistan has been celebrating the day for last 17 years and organizes various activities like Climbing Competitions, Eco Hikes, Seminars, Photographic and Painting Competitions. This year a series of events have been organized in collaboration with the key stakeholders.
The inaugural session was held at Aiwan-e-Sadr which was attended by a large number of key stakeholders. The former President Alpine Club made a presentation on Mountains and Activities of Alpine Club of Pakistan. MD, PTDC highlighted the initiatives of present Government to strengthening the Tourism Sector.
The President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi appreciated the role of Alpine Club of Pakistan for hosting this Conference. The President stressed the need to tap the unrealized potential of mountain tourism, use of modern technology and skill development in the field of mountain tourism. At this occasion, the President of Pakistan awarded shields to the high achiever in the field of mountain sports and tourism. Sirbaz Khan, Naila Kiayni, Ali Raza, Hassan Jan, Qudrat Ali, Sadiq Sadpara, Ali Musa, Abid Hussain Sadpara presented token of appreciation by the President of Pakistan. Shahid Nadeem Air Commodore (r), Zaheer Ahmed, Abu Zar Faiz, Sustainable Development Foundation and Alpine Club of Pakistan were also awarded by the president.
The conference was organized in collaboration with PTDC and other key stakeholders. After the opening remarks by MD, PTDC three Sessions on Climate Change and Sustainability, Mountain Tourism and Mountain Sports were held wherein experts and key stakeholders made presentations. The experts express their views and share their experiences to address contemporary challenges in this regard.
The President ACP Abu Zafar Sadiq moderated the Session on Mountain Sports and appreciated the role of present Government for promotion of Mountain Tourism and Sports despite challenges posed by devolution. The Minister for Tourism & Sports, Gilgit-Baltistan, Raja Nasir; Mansoor Dar, Secretary, Tourism, AJK & Shahid Islam, Deputy Director General, Pakistan Sports Board chaired different Sessions. Mountaineers’ Forum was also held where in mountaineers from different part of the country, particularly from Gilgit-Baltistan participated and shared their experiences and views.
Raja Nasir Minister for Tourism and Sports from Gilgit-Baltistan appreciated the efforts of the Alpine Club of Pakistan and its partners for holding this Conference. He desired to hold this Conference next year in Gilgit-Baltisan. Mansoor Dar from Secretary Tourism and Sports Azad Jamu & Kashmir, Karrar Haideri were also present at the occasion. At the end, the president, Alpine Club announced that Alpine Club of Pakistan shall continue to organize conferences like this every year. At the end, Rana Aftab, MD, PTDC thanked Alpine Club of Pakistan, Riphah University, Pakistan Association of Tour Operators and other key stakeholders for joining the conference.