‘Climb the mountains but be aware of risks’

Wajahit Malik talks about mountaineering and what is involved

LAHORE: “Exploring mountains can be a great adventure but one must not forget that nature can be ruthless,” filmmaker and TV host Wajahat Malik said on Sunday.

He was speaking at a session titled When the Mountains Take their Toll on the second day of Khayaal Festival at Alhamra on The Mall.

“Adventure sports have gained popularity in Pakistan over the last few years. Many youngsters now go on climbing expeditions but we need to be careful doing this,” Malik said.



“Respect the mountains. If you want to climb them, you have to take responsibility. As the popularity of adventure sports has increased, so has the number of fatalities,” he said.

Malik narrated a tragic incident that had taken place in August. He said a five-member expedition had gone climbing the Sarwali peak in Neelum Valley that is around 6,400 metres above sea level. The mountain is considered one of the most dangerous in Kashmir, he said.

“Out of the five, two stayed at the base camp. The three who went climbing –Imran, Usman and Khurram – never returned. Last time they contacted the base camp was on August 31… they have been presumed dead.”

Malik said he believed that they had been good rock climbers but had not been to high mountains. “The boys lost their lives. This shouldn’t have happened,” he said, showing photos of Sarwali and the trek.

He said the idea was not to scare people. “I just want them to be careful while going on such adventures. “Our mountains have a lot to offer. We should explore these but responsibly,” he said.

He said that proper search and rescue institutions were missing in the mountain areas. People have to count on a Pakistan Army chopper in case of an emergency.  He stressed the need for proper mountaineering training schools.



“One should go prepared on such adventures. Take medicines, the right equipment and clothes with you. Training is the most important precaution. Inform the authorities concerned about your plans,” he said. He said that the required equipment, including appropriate clothing, for the mountaineering was available in Pakistan.

Malik also urged people to protect the environment. He also talked about paragliding.

Earlier, Maryam Cheema, the Pakistan International Mountain Film Festival director, introduced Malik. “We are here to talk about mountains and who else could be better than Malik to have this conversation. He is referred to as awara bhanwara and loves them [mountains] more than people,” said Cheema.

“Some people even say that he is married to them,” she said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 30^th,  2015.