ISLAMABAD, July 25: Minister for Agriculture and Forestry of Italy, Giovanni Almanno, arrived here on Sunday to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of K-2 and 51st anniversary of the first ascent of Nanga Parbat.

The Northern Areas chief secretary, Farid Khan, the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation deputy managing director, Ghazanfar Mehdi, and diplomats from Italian embassy received him at the Islamabad airport.

Talking to newsmen at the airport, Mr Almanno, who is also a mountaineer, said the government and public of Italy had special attachment with K-2. More than 2,000 mountaineers from Italy have participated in the golden jubilee celebrations, he added.

He appreciated the efforts of Pakistan government for taking interest in promoting tourism activities in the country. Mr Almanno said Italian minister along with five-member delegation of Parliament and 50 mountaineers from Italy would also reach Pakistan to participate in the celebrations.

The Italian minister appreciated the arrangements made by ministry of culture and tourism and PTDC for the golden jubilee celebration of K-2. He said due to strong media campaign, awareness was being created in Italy and other parts of the world about K-2 and other mountains of Pakistan.

He said various alpine clubs in European countries were also celebrating the golden jubilee celebrations of K-2. He said the head of Italian government awarded flag to the expedition team of K-2.

The Italian minister will visit Askole, the base camp of K-2 and will be the chief guest in the foundation lying ceremony of K-2 Museum on August 1. He will also witness a polo match between Pakistan and Italy, which has been arranged in connection with the Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The main festivity of the golden jubilee celebrations will be held at the base camp of K-2, on July 31. Special commemoration stamps will be released by Pakistan Post on July 31. -APP