ISLAMABAD, June 2: The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) is all set to give a rousing welcome to Samina Baig, who became the first Pakistani woman to summit the Mount Everest on May 19, when she lands at the Benazir Bhutto International Airport on Monday evening.
“Samina Baig, 21, returns to Islamabad on Monday from Kathmandu, Nepal.
She will be accompanied by her brother Mirza Ali, 29. A large number representatives from the ACP, students and her well-wishers from Shimshal, Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan and other parts of Pakistan are expected to welcome this proud daughter of Pakistan,” said Karrar Haideri, the ACP’s media coordinator.
According to the official, after the airport fanfare reception, Samina Baig shall be driven in an entourage to Pakistan Sports Complex, Islamabad, where she along with her brother Mirza Ali and ACP officials would address a press conference at 8pm.
The brother and sister left Pakistan by end of March to join climbers from around the world who were gathering at the base of Mount Everest to celebrate 60 years since its first summit in 1953.
While Samina Baig made it to the top of the world, her brother had to abandon the ascent because of health conditions.
Mr Haidri lamented how the pair had all the support, financial assistance and medical equipment provided to them by the private sector.
“These are no ordinary human beings. The sport of climbing should be encouraged in the country. We wish that the brother and sister also had government support when they were climbing,” said Mr Haidri.
