Samina and her brother completed their trek up Mount Everest. PHOTO: theyouthrepublic.com
ISLAMABAD: Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman to scale Mount Everest, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday.
Congratulating Baig on scaling Everest and terming her achievement a landmark, the prime minister gave her a cash award of Rs2.5 million in recognition of her becoming the first Pakistani woman to conquer the peak.
Baig shared her feelings about conquering the 8,848 metres peak with the prime minister.
On May 19, the 22-year-old, from the small town of Shimshal in the Hunza valley, scaled the 8,848 metre peak after a gruelling expedition in rough weather.
She was accompanied by her brother Mirza Ali, who became the third and youngest Pakistani male to scale the mountain.
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) announced on May 22 that it will recommend Samina’s name for the pride of performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz awards.
COMMENTS (23)
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@Tehzeeb: Is she going to spend this amount for the prosperity of that remotest area? Will she start a campaign to make Pakistan acknowledge that area as its part? The point is, how could a poor country afford these games when we don't have anything to eat. Let me tell you another thing. In the coming 6 months, this lady would apply for visa, and there she goes to Canada, US or Europe, to become another Malala.
@ all,
It's so unfortunate to see your responses. You guys should know she belongs to the remotest area of the country, which Pakistan does not even acknowledge as its territory. Being a lady from that remote area, and from a humble family, mustered courage to raise the flag of Pakistan on the highest peak of the world. It should bring your pride and happiness. Do you guys still think it’s not even worth 2.5 million? Given the scenario of the country, this should be considered as a ray of hope that we still have people who feel proud of this country who strive to build the image of this country in the world where people look down at you. She being a female will be a great motivation for every female who are being depressed in this society.
Have you guys thought of the the killings and bombs blasts that happen every day and cost this country in millions of dollars? I’ll request you guys to be mature and acknowledge the act of bravery shown by this young lady.
This was my money that i paid in tax. I want it back so that i can feed the poor instead.
Was it a cheque from the personal account of NS or from the National Exchequer? If it was from the National Exchequer NS should be made to pay it back as he is not authorised to waste a tax payers money specially in a country where the rich do not pay taxes.
Do you know when the first woman climbed Everest? 1978! That is 35 years ago! So once again Pakistan lags in the rights and accomplishments of women about 2 generations. This is something to celebrate?
@roadkashehzada i said 'can be used in' not build a power plant for 2.5m faceplam
Education you idiots. THAT is where the money is needed so that the future governments are free of morons who think handing out these publicity cheques help the nation. The woman and her brother are well-off in the first place to afford a trek up to the Everest (just the equipment, the clothes and the hiking gear for these treks cost in the ranges of $5000-10,000). Does this woman really need such a cash bump? With one hand we have the begging bowl out to IMF and with the other hand we're handing out dollops of cash?
I thought Khazana Khali hae ?
Are you capable of reading what you just wrote? Climbing the world's tallest peak is no big deal? So how many times have you done it?
We all know your real name is Zaninder Ramjeet but please grow up and appreciate where appreciation is due. Kudos to ET for giving Samina the attention she deserves.
From whose pockets? Answer: From the already overburdened few tax payers and runaway inflation.
better she get it than nawaz sharif go on a shopping trip to london.
I went to Nepal last month and locals informed me that climbing Everest is not a deal at all....let alone a big deal!
@Aiyan: Cash doesn't literally mean rupee notes. Cash in bank is also considered cash. Surely you don't think that the PM handed her a briefcase full of notes?
That is lots more than an Everest climber. Everest is like a highway now with fixed ropes all the way from bottom to top.
Her brother did not climb but this newspaper never fails to repeat that lie from the beginning coz one of his relative works in this paper. He said 20 time on media that he didn't...shameful!
@Thor: power plant with 2.5m??? seriously???
This money could have been used for building something to produce electricity. sigh
@Syme: lol i opened this news to see criticising comments from PTI. man u guys can criticise anything. its 2.5m for first pakistani lady to everest (the tallest mountain the world)
People don't have money to buy food and he has spent 2.5m.
Consider the alternative:
Sharif brothers claim that they will sell a roti for rs.2
money spent on that would have bought 1.25 mn roties, assuming that each person consumes 2 roties, it would have served 650,000 people.
But populist policies devoid of substance can only take us this far through a myopic vision.
@abdussamad What part of "cash" did you not understand?
I bet the cheque will bounce!
Now thats too much encouragement.
Good start! I hope she is awarded the highest civil award too.