Shigar to Host Pakistan’s First Mountaineering Institute
News Desk
Islamabad: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan has approved a Rs 970.51 million project for establishing a Mountaineering Institute in Shigar, aimed at promoting tourism and adventure sports in the region.
The decision was taken during the Committee’s third meeting, chaired by Haji Imtiaz Ahmed Chaudhry, MNA, on Tuesday. The project is part of the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) for the Financial Year 2025-26 and is expected to train skilled mountaineers, rock climbers, and tourism industry professionals.
Boosting Adventure Tourism in GB
The Secretary of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan informed the Committee that the institute would play a pivotal role in strengthening the tourism industry in Gilgit-Baltistan, a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and world-famous peaks.
Recognizing the project’s potential to attract national and international adventure enthusiasts, the Committee unanimously recommended its approval.
During the meeting, the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan also briefed the Committee on key Kashmir-related observances, including:
- Kashmir Solidarity Day (February 5)
- Youm-e-Istehsal (August 5)
- Black Day (October 27)
These events are marked with solidarity walks, extensive media coverage, and participation from national and Hurriyat leaders. The Ministry emphasized that these observances help keep the Kashmir issue alive on national and international platforms.
The Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in advocating for the Kashmir cause. These include raising the issue in joint communiqués with international leaders, such as during the recent visit of the President of Türkiye, and commemorating Kashmir-related days in Pakistani missions abroad.
The Committee appreciated these initiatives and stressed the need for continued international engagement on the matter.
Next Meeting to Discuss Regional Development
The Committee also decided to invite the Secretaries of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) to its next meeting to discuss their respective development projects in detail.
The meeting was attended by MNAs, including Tahir Iqbal, Junaid Anwar Chaudhry (via Zoom), Abdul Qadir Khan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Farukh Khan, and Riaz Ul Haq.
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Engr. Amir Muqam, along with senior officials from the Ministries of Kashmir Affairs, Planning and Development, and Foreign Affairs, were also present.
