Pakistan being the house of the world's tallest mountains requires additional efforts to protect, promote, and preserve the sanctity and glory of the mountains, which are vulnerable to negative consequences of the climate change, said Nepalese Ambassador to Pakistan Sewa Lamsal Adhikari on Tuesday. "Himalayas are gradually turning into black mountains, affecting not only the scenic beauty but also the people living in mountains, ecosystem, cultural heritage, biodiversity, etc," said Sewa Lamsal Adhikari while addressing an event held to celebrate Mount Everest Day 2018.
The event was organized by Serena Hotel in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal which was attended by dignitaries, including members of the diplomatic corps and government. Colonel Dr Abdul Jabbar Bhatti (retd), climber of the Mount Everest who became the fourth Pakistani to scale the world's highest peak in 2017, also graced the event. Special Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aitzaz Ahmad, was the chief guest of the event. Nepal has been celebrating Mount Everest Day since 2008.
Sewa Lamsal Adhikari said each year the snowline is going up. The weather pattern has drastically changed and it has become almost unpredictable, adding there are risks and vulnerability not only to the mountain climbers but also to the people living in mountain. "This is a wakeup call for all of us," she warned.
The ambassador said Nepal has ushered into an era of peace, progress and prosperity. The government of Nepal, under the dynamic leadership of the prime minister of Nepal, is fully committed to bringing a quality change in the lives of the people through the socio-economic transformation and infrastructure development. The ambassador said Nepal and Pakistan have been enjoying cordial relations. "We share many identical views on multiple forums, including the UN, NAM and G77. The two countries have strong natural link with mighty Himalayas and deep cultural affinities with Gandhara Civilization," she added.
Nepal and Pakistan house most of the world's tallest mountains above the height of 8000 meters, including the Mount Everest and K2.
The day 29th of May is a special day in the history of mountaineers. On this very day in 1953, two legendary figures, a local Nepali Tenzing Norge Sherpa and New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Percival Hillary successfully climbed the Mount Everest for the first time in the history of mountaineering. This victory inspired many adventure loving people across the globe to climb the Everest. Till now more than Four Thousand climbers from different countries made more than 7000 summits.
The ambassador said that the journey to the Mount Everest has been a mixed bag of joy, thrill, adventure as well as risks, hazards and sadness. However, the journey continues with unbelievable new records. The beauty and attraction of the Mount Everest is evergreen. She further said Nepal is the country of high mountains, which are the source of water, energy, irrigation and agriculture. Mountains have preserved biodiversities as well as natural and cultural heritages. Many feasts and festivals of indigenous community of Nepal are related with nature and culture. Mountains are the identity and civilization of the indigenous people who have treasured indigenous knowledge, technology and skills for their survival even in the adverse weather conditions. The identity of Nepal without mountains is incomplete, she added.
Nepal has been a famous destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventures among others. It is the land of rich ancient temples and shrines, natural and cultural heritages, blessed with natural beauty and biodiversities. The diversities in its landscape, ethnicity and culture, and flora and fauna all have contributed to creating a mini-world in itself. Nepal offers on arrival visas for most of the countries, including Pakistan. It is an open and liberal society where tourists feel safe, comfortable and welcome. "I encourage you to spend this year's summer vacation in Nepal," she asked the participants.
Aitzaz Ahmad, Special Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the world is facing challenges due to climate change which is a serious matter that affects every aspect of life around the globe. He lauded the efforts of Nepal in promoting the adventure which is yet another step to strengthen the relations between Pakistan and Nepal. "We are confident that both countries are mutually benefiting and ever strengthening each other," he said. He said Pakistan is much alike Nepal in many ways, for instance Pakistan is also a country famous for mountains, K2, the 2nd highest mountain and Nanga Parbat. Other than that Pakistan captivates adventure sports like rafting, paragliding, mountainning, and camping just like Nepal. Besides, Pakistan is home to ancient civilizations including Gandhara and Indus Valley.
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