In nature: Markhor 2014 concludes on a high note

Youth leadership conference was<br /> held 9,240ft above sea-level in Galiyat.

ABBOTABAD: Young leaders pledged to strive for an independent, self-reliant, socio-politically stable and economically vibrant Pakistan in light of principles laid down by the country’s forefathers. This declaration was issued on Monday after Markhor 2014, a leadership conference organised by non-profit Youth Impact, concluded on Sunday.

Markhor 2014 was Pakistan’s second annual wilderness-based youth leadership conference held in Mukshpuri, Nathiagali. The event started on September 24 and was attended by young leaders between the ages of 17 and 25 belonging to different parts of the country.

The participants camped for five days at Mukshpuri top in Galiyat which is 9,420ft above sea-level. They vowed to project Pakistan’s soft image on the global level and play their role in the country’s progress.

“What you don’t learn in institutions, seminars, programs and books, you learn in the presence of nature,” said Abdul Samad Khan who’s the first Pakistani graduate of National Outdoor Leadership Schools (NOLS), USA and the Youth Impact CEO. “Accept wilderness as your mentor and infinity as your comfort zone,” he added, while explaining the concept of outdoor leadership training. He added the outdoor conference was a mixture of discussions, debating sessions and sports activities. Corporate heads and social activists were also present at the conference.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 30^th, 2014.