SKARDU, July 18: The foundation stone of the K-2 monument was laid by the first conqueror of the peak, Lino Laceddelli, in Skardu at an impressive ceremony.

The 79-year old Italian mountaineer, who ascended K-2, the world's second highest mountain and the highest in Pakistan, on July 31, 1954, when he was only 29 years old.

He said: "I am very happy to be in Skardu after 50 years ... I feel that I have just conquered K-2." Comparing the present conditions in Baltistan with the ones when he first conquered K-2, he said that much had changed during the intervening years.

He thanked people of Baltistan for according him a rousing welcome and said that the monument would last forever. Deputy Chief Executive of Northern Areas Haji Fida Mohammad Nashad, climbers and officials attended the function.

A reception was also given for Mr Lacedelli and his daughter Ms Alberta. It was arranged by members of the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme and the Social Welfare Organization, Skardu, in collaboration with the district administration.

Meanwhile Giuseppe Alemanno, Italian Minister of Agriculture and Giuseppe Vegas, Deputy Minister for finance and members of the Italian parliament would visit K-2 base camp on July 31 and in the evening they would attend the foundation-laying ceremony of a museum in Skardu.

On this occasion, Skardu and Italian Town of Qurtina would be declared twin cities and commemorative postage stamps of the first ascent of K-2 would be issued to mark the finale of K-2 Golden Jubilee celebrations, officials said on Friday.

BROAD PEAK: The Swiss expedition has scaled the 8,047-metre high Broad Peak recently, Richerd Bolt, leader of the expedition told APP here on Friday.