The remarkable achievement of Sajid Ali Sadpara, who has now summited nine of the world’s 14 highest peaks, honours his late father’s dream. On May 10, Sajid climbed Dhaulagiri in Nepal without the use of supplemental oxygen or any external support. Sajid is following in the footsteps of his late father, Mohammad Ali Sadpara, who was a great mountaineer but failed to receive much recognition during his life.
More Pakistanis are now getting into mountaineering. Climbers like Naila Kiani, Sirbaz Khan and Wajidullah Nagari are also trying to reach the highest point, Mount Everest. Although, due to political tensions in the region, some foreign mountaineers have been facing issues in travelling to Pakistan’s mountains. But if peace continues within the country, more climbers can visit, which can help Pakistan’s tourism and economy.
The government of Pakistan should encourage and promote such activities. Many of these heroes face challenges that limit their horizons, such as limited funding, lack of training facilities, insufficient safety measures, and a lack of promotion at the national level. Governmental support would not only honour these talented individuals, but it would also boost the country’s image internationally and give rise to other developing sports.
Mah Galin
Turbat
