GILGIT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday constituted a 14-member committee to establish a mountaineering school in Gilgit-Baltistan, directing them to submit a report within 15 days.

According to a notification issued by the PM Office on Friday, the committee has been constituted with immediate effect. The committee will be chaired by Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the PM on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.

The committee members include Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Coordinator to PM on Youth Affairs, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad GB tourism minister, Ms. Naila Kiani, National High Altitude Mountaineer, Mr. Zulfiqar Younas, Additional Secretary Ministry of Climate Change, Mr. Riaz ul Hasan, EvK2CNR, Pakistan Resident Representative Mr. Imran Nadeem, Ex-Minister Businessman, GB Mr. Sarbaz Khan, Mountaineer Dr. Rehmat, Head of Tourism, Department KIU, Hunza Mr. Shamshad Hussain, Head of Tourism Department, Baltistan University, Secretary, Inter-Provincial Coordination Secretary, Federal Education and Professional Training, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan and Executive Director, NAVTTC.

The committee shall have the following TORs

To develop and implement a comprehensive plan for the establishment of a Mountaineering School in Gilgit Baltistan, ensuring the promotion of sustainable/ green tourism, mountaineering education, and local community engagement.

Prepare detailed feasibility, assessing the potential sites, infrastructure requirements, and financial implications for the establishment of the Mountaineering School Design a comprehensive curriculum for the Mountaineering School, incorporating international best practices and standards in mountaineering, rescue operations, and environmental conservation.

Establish training programs for instructors and staff, ensuring high- quality education and skill development for students Identify suitable locations for the construction of the Mountaineering School, considering accessibility, environmental impact, and proximity to key mountain ranges.

Prepare detailed budget for the establishment and operationalisation of the Mountaineering School, including capital and recurrent expenditures.

Engage with relevant stakeholders, including the Government of Gilgit Baltistan, local communities, mountaineering associations, and international experts, to ensure comprehensive input and collaboration.

Facilitate coordination with the Government of Gilgit Baltistan to align the project with regional development plans and secure necessary approvals and support. Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of the project, assess outcomes, and ensure accountability.

The Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Division will provide secretariat support.

The establishment of the school responds to the local demands for training by GB mountaineers and those affiliated with tourism to train local people for high-altitude climbing. Mohyuddin Wani, federal secretary education who served as the GB Chief Secretary along with climber Naila Kiani had relayed this request in a meeting with the PM.

Published in Dawn, July 13th, 2024