Pakistan seems to be the mecca for world class climbers. With the country being home to some of the biggest mountains like K2, Gasherbrum and Masherbrum; as well as big alpine walls like the Trango towers, Pakistan makes most of it’s economic profit from the mountaineering teams that visit the country. The latest news is that about 125 mountaineering teams from all around the world will be visiting Pakistan soon.
At least this is what the Pakistani prime minister told the Chinese Tibetan mountaineering team. This particular delegation was led by Sang Zhum. The delegation of climbers visited the PM’s house last Saturday. The PM Aziz invited the team to congratulate the team for the latest achievement. On 12th of July, seven climbers of the international team accompanied by Pakistani climbers stood on top of Gasherbrum I peak of Pakistan (also known as Hidden peak).
The Tibetan Chinese team recently completed all 14 of the world’s 8000 meter peaks located in the Himalayas. This is an incredible achievement. As far as I know, only a few have completed this feat. Out of them an American Ed Viesturs along with a Finish climber Veicca climbed all the 8000 meters in alpine style (without the aid of fixed ropes and camps).
During this meeting, the PM also mentioned he will do whatever it takes to promote ecotourism and adventure sports like climbing in Pakistan. This meeting was also called to extend a hand of friendship to the neighboring China. The PM Shaukat Aziz acknowledged:
Over the past five and a half decades, our all-weather and time-tested friendship has become higher than the highest mountains and deeper than the deepest oceans.
According to the PM, Pakistan is proud of the feat achieved by the Chinese friends. Aziz further acknowledged that steps are being taken so that climbers from all over the world can enjoy the magnificent ranges of Pakistan. Along with this, they can enjoy the Pakistani culture as well.
I think this is a great effort made by Pakistan. I wish India also encourages some thing like this. The Indian Himalayas are as beautiful and high as it’s Pakistani counterpart. Unfortunately, the 8000 meter mountains are mostly located in Pakistan and Nepal.
With China trying to construct a highway to the base of Mt.Everest in preparation for the 2008 Olympic games, lot of things are happening in this part of the world. It is crucial that Pakistan, India as well as China be friends at least for the up coming season.
Image Credits: Tuncifindik, Cybercity-online, Greatwalks
