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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) led the country’s observance of International Mountain Day 2025 with an Eco Hike on Margalla Trail 5. Youth, mountaineers, environmentalists, and officials gathered to rally for glacier conservation.
The event was attended by Chief Guest Ms. Syeda Amnah Batool, MNA and Focal Person of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP). Her presence underscored the government’s commitment to energising youth-led climate action.
The Eco Hike was organized in collaboration with PTDC, Green Tourism Pvt. Ltd., the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, and Brain Design. It promoted responsible tourism and highlighted the UN theme “Glaciers matter for water, food and livelihoods in mountains and beyond.”
Speakers emphasized Pakistan’s responsibility as one of the world’s most glacier-rich countries. They noted that northern glacial systems feed national rivers, support agriculture, and sustain millions of lives.
Renowned mountaineers Sajid Ali Sadpara and Ashraf Ali Sadpara joined the hike. They inspired participants with their climbing stories and highlighted the importance of safe and responsible trekking.
Chief Guest Amnah Batool warned that rapidly melting glaciers threaten Pakistan’s long-term water and food security. She praised ACP and PTDC for mobilizing youth and promoting climate awareness.
ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad Khan, HI(M), appreciated the strong participation. He reaffirmed ACP’s commitment to eco-friendly mountaineering and sustained environmental initiatives.
PTDC Managing Director Aftab ur Rehman Rana said Pakistan’s mountains form the backbone of its tourism sector. He added that initiatives like the Eco Hike strengthen nature-friendly tourism.
Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi of PMYP encouraged youth to become ambassadors of climate resilience. He called on them to lead community-level conservation efforts.
Partner organizations expressed a united commitment to glacier protection, sustainable tourism, and environmental stewardship. The hike concluded with shields and certificates distributed to youth hikers and partner institutions.
ACP Vice President Karrar Haidri extended special thanks to all partners, volunteers, and participants for supporting mountain conservation.
As part of the celebrations, ACP organized Rock and Sport Climbing Competitions at the Pakistan Sports Complex. The events drew strong participation from young climbers.
Medals were awarded by Syeda Amnah Batool, Aftab ur Rehman Rana, and Major General Irfan Arshad Khan, HI(M). The contests showcased emerging talent in both speed and rock climbing.
In men’s speed climbing, Abuzar Faiz secured first place, followed by Zaheer Ahmed, with Hassan Faiz and Huzaifa jointly taking third. In girls’ classic speed, Amani Jannat won first, while Saba Zahra and Amna Ali claimed second and third.
In men’s rock climbing, Zaheer Ahmed took first place, followed by Hassan Faiz and Jameel Qureshi. In the girls’ rock category, Saba Zahra secured first, with Ayesha Ali and Amna Ali in second and third.
International participation included climber Karel from the Netherlands. His involvement reflected growing global engagement with Pakistan’s climbing community.
At the closing ceremony, Pakistan National Sport Climbing Team Head Coach Najeeb Khattak announced upcoming national championships and international preparations.
Technical officials Sajid Aslam, Mushahid, Hanzala Hussain, and Ahmed Mujtaba (SNGPL) supervised the competitions. ACP leadership praised the team for the professional and smooth execution of the events.