Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised Qatari mountaineer Sheikha Asma Al Thani for becoming the first woman from the Gulf and Qatar to summit Nanga Parbat, the formidable “Killer Mountain” in Gilgit Baltistan. Appointing her as Pakistan’s Brand Ambassador for Mountains & Tourism, Sharif lauded her as an inspiration for women and highlighted Pakistan’s potential as a premier destination for adventure tourism.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Sheikha Asma Al Thani in Islamabad to celebrate her historic achievement of summiting Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest peak, located in Pakistan’s Gilgit Baltistan region. Recognizing her courage, resilience, and determination, Sharif described her as a global role model, particularly for promoting gender empowerment through high-altitude sports. “Her accomplishment inspires women and young girls worldwide,” he said, emphasizing the significance of her feat in showcasing Pakistan’s natural beauty.
During the meeting, Sharif formally named Al Thani as Pakistan’s Brand Ambassador for Mountains & Tourism, underscoring the country’s pride in hosting five of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, including Nanga Parbat and K2. He highlighted Pakistan’s growing appeal as a top destination for mountaineers and adventure seekers, crediting local high-altitude porters and guides for their indispensable role in such expeditions. “Their skill and dedication are integral to these extraordinary accomplishments,” he noted.
The Prime Minister expressed enthusiasm for deepening bilateral ties with Qatar in adventure tourism, sports, and youth engagement, seeing Al Thani’s achievement as a catalyst for international attention to Pakistan’s scenic landscapes. He extended a warm invitation for her to return for future climbs and explore more of the country’s diverse terrain, wishing her success in her goal to conquer all fourteen 8,000-meter peaks, of which she has already scaled nine.
In response, Sheikha Asma Al Thani expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality she received in Pakistan. Reflecting on her Nanga Parbat climb, she praised the support of local porters and guides and described the mountain’s majestic beauty. She also singled out K2, another Pakistani peak she has climbed, as her favorite among the summits she has conquered. Her remarks underscored the growing global recognition of Pakistan’s mountaineering potential and the vital contributions of its local communities.
