MINGORA: Speakers at a ceremony here asked the government to develop Gabin Jabba as a ski resort to promote skiing and tourism in Swat district.

They addressing the concluding ceremony of Lalku Skiing competition held at Lalku Gabin Jabba. The competition was organised by Pioneer Sports and Ski School in collaboration with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ski Association.

The organisers of the event said that Swat valley was amazing place for summer and winter tourism where there were several ski resorts of international standard. They said that Gabin Jabba in Lalku valley could become one of the best ski resorts in the country if government paid attention to it.

KP Ski Association chairman Matiullah Khan, district sports officer Hazratullah Khattak, district youth councillor Maqsood Ali Khan and political activist Abdullah Khan were present on the occasion.

“Gabin Jabba is better site than Malam Jabba for skiing as its slope is longer and wider. We want to establish a proper training centre of ski here but we need the support of government,” said Matiullah Khan.

He said that organising the ski competition at Lalku Gabin Jabba was meant to introduce the new ski resort to the world and invite national and international skiers to the beautiful site. “This ski resort will be the next destination of national and international tourists and skiers. It will not only send a message of peace but also promote tourism in Swat,” he added.

Mr Khan said that he and his friends developed the ski resort but government handed it over to non-locals. “We developed Malam Jabba ski resort but now local skiers and youth are not allowed to play there. So as an alternate, we want to develop Gabin Jabba as a ski resort for local talent and ski promotion,” he added. The young skiers, present on the occasion, said that they had passion for skiing but they did not have properly developed ski slopes in Swat. “We hope that government will develop this site soon for us,” they said.

Speaking on the occasion, Maqsood Ali Khan said that government would extend support to KP Ski Association. He said that chairlift would be installed at the new ski resort with the help of government.

At the end, trophies and awards were distributed among the skiers.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2019