Sirbaz Khan and Muhammad Abdul Joshi, who became the first Pakistanis to summit the 8,091-metre Annapurna peak in Nepal, last week have dedicated their feat to Muhammad Ali Sadpara, Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Tuesday.
Sadpara was declared dead in February, this year after he went missing on the world’s second-highest mountain, K2, during a winter expedition.
“It’s a great accomplishment. They’ve hoisted Pakistan and ACP’s flags on Annapurna for the first time. The club acknowledges their contributions,” Secretary ACP, Karrar Haidri told APP.
Led by Sirbaz, the four-member team included climber Joshi, manager Saad Munawar and photographer and cyclist Kamran Ali.
Read more: Abrar-ul Haq to fulfil Ali Sadpara dream of a school in his village
Sirbaz, who hails from Aliabad, Hunza, began his climbing career in 2016. He is on a mission to summit the world’s 14 highest peaks and has already climbed five including K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Lhotse, and Manaslu.
Abdul Joshi, 36, who is a native of Shimshal valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, started his climbing journey as a guide on various 8000m expeditions but this was his first successful 8,000m peak summit. Joshi is passionate about summiting the unclimbed peaks.
Overcoming “tons of snow” and a thunderstorm, climbers Sirbaz Khan and Muhammad Abdul Joshi became the first Pakistanis to summit the 8,091-metre Annapurna peak in Nepal on Friday. Dedicate climb to Muhammad Ali Sadpara, local porters 🇵🇰🗻🧗♂️❄❄❄https://t.co/7xHxsHlEGo
— سمیرا (@SumairaJajja) April 16, 2021
“The team is arriving back in the country on Thursday. They are a source of inspiration for the young generation. We’ll accord them a warm welcome,” Haidri said.
Gilgit Baltistan govt to nominate Ali Sadpara for civil award
The Gilgit Baltistan government has nominated lost climber Muhammad Ali Sadpara for a civil award. The cabinet approved the decision in February.
Besides nominating the accomplished mountaineer for the national award, they have also announced to make an institution named after him. “Mohammad Ali Sadpara Institute for Adventure Sports, Mountaineering and Rock Climbing” will be constructed to honour his achievements.
The deceased Sadpara’s family will be taken care of as GB government announced to grant the family Rs. 3 million. Sadpara’s son, Sajid, will be provided with a suitable job as well.
Read more: Ali Sadpara becomes first Pakistani to scale world’s fifth largest peak in Nepal
On February 18th, missing mountaineers Ali Sadpara and his companions, John Snorri from Iceland JP Mohr from Chile, were declared dead by GB Tourism Minister Raja Nasir.
“Keeping in mind the weather conditions at K2, the Pakistan army, government, and family of the mountaineers have concluded that Ali Sadpara and his comrades have expired,” said GB Minister.
APP with additional input by GVS News Desk