SWAT: Adviser to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam said here on Saturday that both the federal and provincial governments were taking serious steps for promotion of ecotourism.

He was speaking as chief guest at the concluding ceremony of the first-ever National Grass Ski Competition in Malam Jabba where he handed over trophies and awards to the winning athletes and teams.

A large number of tourists and local spectators witnessed the two-day competition hosted by Malam Jabba Ski Resort.

At least 11 teams, both male and female, from Gilgit-Baltistan, Swat, and Chitral participated in the event.

Aziza Gul from team Madaklasht (MDKT) secured first position, Ezra Bibi of team Malam Jabba (MJ) second and Amna Sohail of Gilgit-Baltistan Ski Association (GBSA) third spot in the Women’s Slalom category.

In the Women’s Giant Slalom category, Amna Sohail got first position, Aziza Gul of MDKT second and Ezra Bibi of team MJ third.

In the Men’s Slalom category, Tanzeel Ahmed of MDKT secured first position, Fazal Wadud of GBSA s second and Mohammad Siddique of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) grabbed third position.

In the men’s Giant Slalom category, Mohammad Siddique clinched first position, Fazal Wadud second and Tanzeel Ahmed third.

Talking to mediapersons on this occasion, Amin Aslam said that Prime Minister Imran Khan had invited international investors to invest in the country’s tourism sector.

“The investors will be facilitated and full protection provided to them,” he said, adding that for the promotion of tourism and environment the government had focused its attention on protection of the existing forests and growing more in the country. He said the government was also restoring the natural beauty of rivers, including the Swat River.

Meanwhile, speaking at a ceremony at PC Malam Jabba, the adviser said that national heroes should be acknowledged. The theme of the ceremony was Pride of Pakistan aiming to applaud all those serving the national interest through their achievements.

In the ceremony, different personalities from across the country, including Noreena Shams, Khadija Sultan, Yahya Aziz and Tabassum Adnan, were acknowledged.

Noreena Shams is the first-ever cyclist to win a silver medal for Pakistan in Junior Olympics. Khadija Sultan, the first female boxer, is a gold medalist in taekwondo, gold medalist in judo and national player of boxing.

Yahya Aziz is a 10 years old Pakistan trekker who made the world record by crossing Gondogoro La Pass. Ms Tabassum made Pakistan proud by winning the International Women of Courage Award for her efforts in seeking justice for women in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2021