Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting international mountaineers and adventure tourism, as he formally appointed pioneering Qatari climber Sheikha Asma Al Thani as the country’s brand ambassador for mountains and tourism.
During a meeting with the Qatari mountaineer in Islamabad, the premier acknowledged Sheikha Asma’s recent summit of Nanga Parbat, congratulating her on becoming the first woman from the Gulf and Qatar to climb the formidable peak.
Commending her efforts to promote gender empowerment through adventure sports, Prime Minister Sharif said Sheikha Asma’s achievement was a source of inspiration for women and young girls around the world. He noted that Pakistan, home to five of the world’s 14 highest peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, remains a premier destination for international climbers and adventure seekers.
“Sheikha Asma’s feat is not only a personal triumph but also a symbol of the shared values of courage, ambition and perseverance between Pakistan and Qatar,” the premier said.
He expressed a desire to strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas including adventure tourism, sports and youth engagement.
In response, Sheikha Asma thanked the Prime Minister and the people of Pakistan for the warm hospitality she received during her expeditions. She fondly recalled her recent climb of Nanga Parbat and praised the dedication of local porters and guides who assisted her on the challenging ascent.
The Qatari climber, who has also previously scaled K2, described the mountain as the most “complete” in terms of beauty and challenge, calling it “unparalleled” among the world’s high-altitude peaks.
The meeting concluded with the Prime Minister reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring safety, facilitation, and hospitality for international climbers, in a bid to enhance Pakistan’s reputation as a global hub for mountain tourism.
