2011-02-04 16:44:31 - Minister for Sports and Danish Embassy engage into ‘adventure diplomacy’ to promote a positive image of Pakistan.

Islamabad – Federal Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Mr. Mir Ijaz Hussian Jakhrani met with one of Pakistan’s outstanding and courageous female mountaineer, Samina Baig and the President of the Youth Commission of The International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation (UIAA), Ms. Anne Arran. The meeting was initiated by the Danish Embassy as part of promoting ‘adventure diplomacy’.

Samina recently returned from her winter climbing expedition in the Karakorum, becoming the first Winter Woman mountaineer in Pakistan. This expedition was partly financed by the Government of Denmark with an aim to promote new young role models in Pakistan and create a more positive image of Pakistan among the international audience.

The Minister discussed the immense potential for alpinism and rock climbing

in Pakistan with Samina and Anne. They agreed on the ambition to further engage the youth of Pakistan in such healthy activities and to draw the attention of the international media towards the potential of the beauty of the vast and diverse Pakistani mountains.

Samina stated that “it is my intention to motivate more women to participate in climbing as this will give a message of confidence to females everywhere. I also try to promote the tourist trekking and climbing opportunities in Pakistan – not least in my own region in Gilgit Balistan, as this can create economic opportunities, which are badly required for the society.”

On behalf of the International Mountaineering Federations Youth Commission Anne Arran stated that ‘The UIAA Youth Commission is inspired by positive steps forward in youth education in Pakistan mountain villages. Hand in hand with indoor facility and outdoor climbing area development close to cities, it can only motivate more youth to be adventurous. Samina and her fellow mountaineers are now better placed to achieve their own summits and will have the opportunity to take part in international ascents such as the UIAA Global Youth Summit which promotes peace, co-operation and protection of the environment. I was impressed by Samina’s performance and motivation - this will surely inspire others”.

The Danish Ambassador to Pakistan Mr. Uffe Wolffhechel states that: ‘The Danish Government believes in the future of Pakistan, and the future lies with educating and promoting the youth of Pakistan This is why Denmark is supporting Pakistan with a new development programme with a strong emphasis on education. I have climbed with Samina and she is a remarkable mountaineer and also a positive role model of gender equality. We are proud to promote her and to draw to the attention of the international media this positive story of courage and opportunities. The role of diplomacy is to facilitate contacts and to promote development and values across borders. Samina is doing just this with her adventure diplomacy.”

Samina is the first ever Pakistani female to have embarked on a high altitude winter climbing expedition. Earlier in 2010 she climbed an unclimbed peak of 6400 meters. This was Samina’s first expedition and ascent. The mountain she climbed, Chashksin Sar has now been renamed Samina Peak in her honour.

Samina is also a part of the Pakistan Youth Outreach, a local organization established by her brother Mirza. They are both extremely motivated to reach out to the youth in schools, colleges and universities and educate them about the mountain adventures in Pakistan.