PM forms body to establish mountaineering school in G-B

GILGIT: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday constituted a 15-member committee to establish a mountaineering school in Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B).

The committee, chaired by the Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Climate Change Romina Khurshid Alam, includes the PM’s Coordinator for Youth Affairs Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Gilgit-Baltistan Minister of Tourism Ghulam Muhammad, former Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly member Imran Nadeem, and mountaineer Naila Kiani. The committee is tasked with presenting its recommendations to the prime minister within 15 days.

According to the terms of reference (TORs), the committee will develop and implement a detailed plan for establishing the mountaineering school, focusing on promoting sustainable tourism, mountaineering education, and engaging the local community.

The committee will conduct a thorough feasibility study to assess potential sites, infrastructure requirements, and financial implications for the school’s establishment. Additionally, it will design a comprehensive curriculum for the school, incorporating international best practices and standards in mountaineering, rescue operations, and environmental conservation.

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The committee is also tasked with establishing training programs for instructors and staff, ensuring high-quality education and skill development for students. It will identify suitable locations for the construction of the mountaineering school, considering accessibility, environmental impact, and proximity to key mountain ranges.

Furthermore, the committee will prepare a detailed budget for the establishment and operationalization of the mountaineering school, including both capital and recurrent expenditures.

The committee will engage with relevant stakeholders, including the government of Gilgit-Baltistan, local communities, mountaineering associations, and international experts, to ensure comprehensive input and collaboration. It will also facilitate coordination with the government of Gilgit-Baltistan to align the project with regional development plans and secure necessary approvals and support.

The committee is tasked with establishing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of the project, assess outcomes, and ensure accountability.

The Climate Change & Environmental Coordination Division will provide secretariat support to the committee, ensuring the efficient functioning and timely submission of the report to the prime minister.