GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan government on Tuesday announced Rs3 million for the deceased mountaineer, Mohammad Ali Sadpara’s family, and a suitable job for his son.

Mr Ali Sadpara, John Snorri from Iceland and JP Mohr from Chile had gone missing on K2 on Feb 5.

Last week, the government declared them dead after failing to locate the missing climbers following a lengthy search and rescue effort.

The GB cabinet held a special meeting chaired by Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid Khan to pay tribute to Mohammad Sadpara. GB Chief Secretary Khurram Shahzad Agha was also present, according to a statement.

The cabinet also approved establishment of Mohammad Ali Sadpara Institute of Adventure Sports Mountaineering and Rock Climbing in recognition of his services.

Sajid Ali Sadpara, the son of Sadpara, who was also part of the expedition to attempt K2 summit in winter, will get a suitable job in the region’s tourism and sports department.

The cabinet decided that Sajid Ali Sadpara would be trained according to international standards to enable him to provide training to aspiring climbers in the proposed Mohammad Ali Sadpara Institute.

The government will nominate Mohammad Ali Sadpara for the highest national civil award.

Speaking at the meeting, Chief Minister Khurshid Khan paid tribute to Mohammad Sadpara and said the mountaineer had earned recognition for Pakistan across the globe.

He noted that the mountaineer chose the profession despite limited resources and dangers, adding that Ali Sadpara’s services would always be remembered.

Khalid Khurshid also paid tribute to all those “unsung heroes” who made GB proud with their achievements despite limited resources.

The CM announced that policies would be formulated to promote the sport of mountain climbing and protect and assist mountaineers by providing them with better resources and training.

A GB cabinet committee comprising finance minister Javed Ali Manwa, law adviser Sohail Abbas and adviser to GB food department Shams Lone will pay a visit to Ali Sadpara’s family and extend their condolences.

CM Khalid Khurshid Khan will also visit the mountaineer’s house to extend condolences to the bereaved family.

In a separate development, the University of Baltistan Skardu notified the establishment of ‘Ali Sadpara Centre for Mountaineering’.

On the other hand, civil society members and students continued candlelight vigils in various areas to pay homage to Mohammad Ali Sadpara, John Snorri and JP Mohr.

Candlelight ceremonies were held in Skardu, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, Gilgit, Diamer and Astore.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2021