A first of its kind event, which started at National Museum of Pakistan on Friday evening, it showed the audience about 34 films and documentaries on the different mountain ranges in the country.
"Mountains serve as a tourist destination. However, in Pakistan we haven't marketed the concept well," said tourism director Nazir Soomro in his opening speech.
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Speaking about event, culture minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah said there are two major reasons for hosting a mountain-themed festival; promoting tourism and increasing awareness regarding Sindh's geography.
"We want to increase the interest of people in tourism," he explained. "I have been an active traveller and am trying to enhance it [tourism] in the province."
He remarked, "After assuming charge, I became aware of the fact that the federal government has continued to neglect archaeology and tourism in the country".
He also mentioned how there is a lack of awareness of Sindh's heritage and geography. "There is not a single documentary on Sindh by the culture department. However, we plan to make one and reward the documentary-maker for it." Briefing the audience, he said that the Asian Development Bank has provided Rs2.5 billion to the Gorakh Hill Authority for building a dual-road carriageway.
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Transport minister Nasir Shah also spoke at the event along with culture secretary Kaleemullah Lashari, who presented a paper on the mountains of Sindh.
Afterwards two short films were screened showcasing the Kirthar Mountain Range and the Karoonjhar Mountain Range of Tharparkar.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 27th, 2016.
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