ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for international mountaineers, assuring them of all necessary facilitation, safety, and hospitality.
He was speaking to Qatari royal and elite mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani, who has become the first woman from her country to scale Nanga Parbat, the ninth-highest mountain in the world.
The 8,126‑metre peak in Pakistan’s Gilgit‑Baltistan region is known as the “Killer Mountain” due to its harsh terrain and deadly climbing history.
This achievement represents the ninth successful summit in Sheikha Asma’s ambitious quest to climb all 14 of the world’s “eight-thousanders” — mountains that rise above 8,000 metres.
Congratulating Asma Al Thani on her achievement, the Prime Minister praised her remarkable courage, resilience, and determination.
He commended her for serving as an inspiration to women and young girls around the world, particularly for advancing gender empowerment through adventure and high-altitude sports.
He formally appointed the Qatari mountaineer as the country’s Brand Ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism for showcasing Pakistan’s natural beauty.
The premier said that Pakistan is home to five of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, making it a premier destination for mountaineers and adventure seekers.
Underscoring the deep and friendly ties between Pakistan and Qatar, the Prime Minister stated that Sheikha Asma’s achievement is a reflection of the shared values of courage, ambition, and perseverance between the two nations.
Expressing gratitude to the Qatari royal for her valuable role in highlighting both the challenges and breathtaking beauty of the region, the Prime Minister also acknowledged the crucial contributions of Pakistani high-altitude porters and guides.
He noted that their expertise and dedication are essential to the success of such remarkable expeditions undertaken by climbers from across the globe.
Sheikha Asma Al Thani thanked the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality extended to her during her visits.
Reminiscing about her recent climb of Nanga Parbat, she praised the support provided by the local porters and guides and also praised the beauty of the majestic mountain.
She regarded K2, another majestic peak that she had already scaled in the past, as the best mountain among the ones she had climbed and said that it is a “Complete Mountain” with its beauty unparalleled.
