KATHMANDU, Nepal–The first-ever expedition team of Pakistani mountaineers has set off to scale Mount K2, the second-highest peak in the Planet.
Eight inclusive mountaineers led by expedition team leader Mohammad Taqi left for the peak on June 14.
Ev-K2-CNR will support the team with necessary funds, equipment, training, and technical assistance during the expedition, according to a release published in Pakistani daily newspaper the dawn.
Earlier, a farewell ceremony was arranged by the Central Karakoram National Park (CKNP) and the Gilgit-baltistan tourism department with the support of EV-K2-CNR.
On the occasion, president of Ev-K2-CNR Agostino Da Polenza said K2 is the best brand that can uplift Pakistan’s image in international arena.
Italian mountaineering expert Murizio Gallo expressed confidence that the team was capable enough to scale the K2 peak if something harsh would not happen. “All the mountaineers are very enthusiastic and well aware of the harsh behaviour of the mountains,” Mr Gallo was quoted by the paper.
The team is accompanied by two Italian mountaineering ambassadors Michele Cucchi and Simone Origone, world champion in speed skiing. They will assist the expedition team in the hour of need, it is learnt.
On the occasion, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Pervaiz Rashid and Counsellor Tommaso Sansone, Deputy Head of the Italian Mission in Pakistan, handed over Pakistani and Italian flags to the Pakistani mountaineers.