Kathmandu, June 6: The Nepali Embassy in Islamabad on Friday celebrated the 73rd International Sagarmatha Day by organising a programme themed “Sagarmatha, the Highest Peak of the World: Identity and Pride of Nepal”.
The event brought together Everest summiteers and high-level government officials of Pakistan, as well as ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, and prominent representatives from the tourism industry. It commenced with the screening of a special video message from Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal on Sagarmatha Day, the Embassy said.
Addressing the event, Nepal’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Rita Dhital recalled the historic day of May 29, 1953 when the first successful ascent of Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) was recorded. According to her, this historic achievement was secured through extraordinary willpower, determination, patience and collaboration.
She shared that during the Spring 2026 season alone, a record number of climbers from various countries across the globe, including from Pakistan, successfully climbed Mt. Everest.
In her remarks, she expressed concern over environmental degradation and glacier melting in the Himalayas caused by climate change, echoing the need for effective international cooperation. She outlined Nepal’s proactive steps, such as the ‘cash for trash’ cleanliness initiative, and announced upcoming major tourism campaigns, including Nepal Wellness Year 2027 and Visit Nepal Year 2028, designed to reposition the country as a sustainable, high-value destination.
Audio-visual material on the tallest mountains, mountain panorama and adventure activities was displayed in the programme. In addition, Counsellor Purushottam Dhungel gave his presentation focused on adventure tourism in Nepal.
Addressing the event, Sardar Yasir Ilyas Khan, advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan and National Coordinator on Tourism; Aftab Ur Rehman Rana, Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC), and Mr Irfan Arshad, President, Alpine Club of Pakistan highlighted the importance of sharing experiences and practices in the field of mountaineering between Nepal and Pakistan.
The event concluded with Ambassador Dhital felicitating four prominent Everest summiteers from Pakistan for their remarkable achievements. During the programme, the summiteers had shared their inspiring climbing experiences with the audience.
