Another feat at the peaks

After scaling the treacherous 8,167-metre high Dhaulagiri mountain in Nepal, mountaineer Sirbaz Khan has become the first Pakistani to climb 9 of the world’s highest 14 peaks. One can only imagine the pride that Sirbaz must be feeling after raising Pakistan’s national flag atop the mountain. It is truly heartening to see the legacy of the late Muhammad Ali Sadpara carry on with such passion and fervour. Both had accompanied each other in 4 expeditions. Sirbaz’s ultimate dream is to scale all 14 highest peaks and make his mentor Sadpara proud. We truly hope that he is able to achieve this feat.

Considering the precarious situation that Pakistan is in, it is important for us to time and again celebrate the small victories precisely because they are a stepping stone towards greater success. Mountain climbing is an untapped potential that has the ability to transform the deteriorating tourism sector of the country. Apart from the sheer beauty of the northern areas, 5 of the 14 highest peaks in the world are in Pakistan. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been enough development in this regard. Mountaineers are not provided with enough funding or resources and have to resort to porting to make ends meet. If Sirbaz is able to achieve international recognition, he will be able to receive funding and become one of the pioneers that reform the mountain climbing scene in Pakistan. Apart from encouraging tourism, revolutionising the mountaineering sector will help uplift the lower-class locals in the region and provide some strength to the country’s ailing economy.

The government and sports associations in the country need to sincerely support the cause and provide resources to our talented mountaineers who are currently scraping through on their own. All stakeholders must sit down and chart out a cohesive plan to transform the neglected sector. It is highly surprising that the Prime Minister hasn’t caught up on it. The incumbent government must not overlook such conspicuous opportunities that can help aid the economy. Considering how things are going, they will need it.