ISLAMABAD, July 10: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Northern Areas Dr Syed Ghazi Gulab Jamal has said elaborate arrangements made by the government to hold K-2 golden jubilee celebrations are laudable.

The minister was speaking as the chief guest at the first session of K-2 golden jubilee celebrations held here on Saturday.

Dr Jamal appreciated the government's decision of declaring 2004 as the year of K-2. He thanked and lauded the contributions of Amir Gulistan Janjua, President Alpine Club of Pakistan; prominent mountaineer Nazir Sabir and other non-governmental organizations towards the promotion of tourism in the country.

The minister hoped that the foreign delegates and mountaineers, who had gathered here to attend the celebrations, would certainly enjoy the sublime beauty of nature during their visit to the Northern Areas.