Islamabad, 02-09-2023. Sometimes, an interim government can achieve what a permanent one
might struggle to. In a remarkable turn of events, the renowned Poet, Anchor, and Scriptwriter, Wasi
Shah, has assumed office as the Minister of State for Tourism and Chairman of the Pakistan Tourism
Development Corporation (PTDC). Since taking office, Mr. Shah has exhibited unwavering dedication to
harness the potential of Pakistan’s tourism industry.
Today, Minister of State for Tourism and PTDC Chairman, Wasi Shah, presided over a pivotal meeting
held at the PTDC Head Office. The focus of the meeting was to discuss proposals aimed at enhancing the
training and welfare of porters within the mountaineering community.
During the meeting, Minister Wasi Shah expressed heartfelt condolences for the untimely passing of Mr.
Muhammad Hassan, a porter who tragically lost his life while scaling K2, the world’s second-largest
mountain. Responding to this tragedy, he has directed the authorities to establish a Training
Centre/Institute dedicated to equipping both climbers and porters with essential skills. Mr. Aftab ur
Rehman Rana, Managing Director of PTDC, provided a comprehensive brief about the incident, while Mr.
Abu Zafar, President of the Alpine Club, shed light on various aspects of mountaineering. The
Investigation Committee also outlined the heroic rescue efforts undertaken during the incident.
Minister Wasi Shah emphasized the urgent need to bridge gaps in existing safety regulations and work
towards providing insurance coverage of Rs. 3 million for porters and climbers in case of unfortunate
fatalities. He also voiced concerns about the lack of a formal institution dedicated to porter training,
highlighting their vital role in navigating perilous terrain and conditions. As a solution, he directed the
introduction of formal documentation, penalties, and certifications for tour operators, alongside
provisions for training and short courses for guides and porters. These efforts underscore the Ministry of
Tourism and PTDC’s commitment to ensuring the safety, training, and welfare of those integral to
Pakistan’s mountaineering pursuits.
In a significant announcement, Minister Wasi Shah revealed plans to establish a Center of Excellence for
Mountain Tourism and Adventure Training at Baltistan University. An MOU is expected to be signed
between PTDC and Baltistan University to formalize this initiative. The center will host regular training
courses conducted by national and international experts to enhance the capabilities of high-altitude
porters, mountain guides, tour operators, and support staff. Additionally, awareness sessions on
workplace safety and protocol will be organized.
Recognizing the need for updated mountaineering and trekking regulations, Minister Wasi Shah
proposed the formation of a National Committee, comprising PTDC members and representatives from
the Gilgit Baltistan Government. This committee will review existing rules and regulations, identify
operational gaps, and design awareness and training workshops to enhance safety for mountaineering
activities.
The Minister also suggested an increase in royalty fees for K-2 permits, from $1700 USD to $5000 USD
per person, with a portion dedicated to the training and capacity building of porters and mountain
guides. He further proposed the introduction of four seasons of mountaineering to diversify revenue
generation and provide employment opportunities for porters during the off-season. To ease the
pressure on K2, the government will encourage mountaineering expeditions on other peaks.
The Gilgit Baltistan Government will ensure that tour operators provide a minimum insurance coverage
of 3 million to high-altitude porters before issuing permits. Legal and financial penalties will be
incorporated into the law to deter violations of mountaineering rules and procedures.
A follow-up meeting with adventure tour operators, the Alpine Club, and the GB Tourism Department is
planned to finalize proposals for improving the overall working environment of mountaineering and
trekking in Pakistan. Efforts will also be made to ensure environmental protection in mountain areas
through appropriate procedures and action plans.
Minister Wasi Shah affirmed his commitment to uphold international safety standards and procedures in
Pakistan’s mountaineering and trekking activities. PTDC will actively work towards introducing training
programs and awareness sessions to enhance the safety of porters.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks, marking a pivotal step towards transforming Pakistan’s
adventure tourism landscape under the leadership of Minister Wasi Shah.
