ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Nepal in Islamabad celebrated the 73rd International Everest Day on Friday with a special program under the theme “Mount Everest: Nepal’s Identity and Pride.”
The event commenced with a special video message from Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal marking the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan Rita Dhital recalled the historic first ascent of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, describing the achievement as a testament to extraordinary determination, endurance, and cooperation.
Ambassador Dhital also expressed concern over the growing environmental degradation and glacial melting in the Himalayan region caused by climate change. She stressed the need for effective international cooperation to address these challenges.
Highlighting Nepal’s environmental conservation efforts, she referred to initiatives such as the “Cash for Trash” clean-up campaign and shared Nepal’s vision of promoting sustainable and high-value tourism through major campaigns including Nepal Wellness Year 2027 and Visit Nepal Year 2028.
The program was also addressed by Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, Tourism Adviser to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and National Tourism Coordinator, Aftab ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director of the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), and Irfan Arshad, President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
The speakers emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation and exchanging expertise between Nepal and Pakistan in the field of mountaineering and adventure tourism.
During the event, Ambassador Dhital honored four Pakistani climbers who have successfully summited Mount Everest. The climbers also shared their experiences with participants.
Counsellor Purushottam Dhungel briefed attendees on Nepal’s potential as a destination for adventure tourism.
The event featured audiovisual presentations showcasing the world’s highest peaks, scenic mountain ranges, and various adventure tourism activities in Nepal.
The celebration was attended by Pakistani Everest climbers, senior government officials, ambassadors and high commissioners from various countries, diplomats, and representatives from the tourism sector.
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