Latest news with #Skardu
Arab News
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Pakistani climber killed, foreigner injured in K2 avalanche
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani climber named Iftikhar Hussain was killed this week and a foreigner sustained injuries after an avalanche struck Camp 1 at K2, the world's second-highest peak, state-run media reported. The incident took place on Friday when the camp was struck by an avalanche at approximately 2:30 pm, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report, citing a press release from the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) on Saturday. The state media said that the avalanche occurred around 500 meters above the base camp, catching four climbers in its path. Two managed to return safely to the Advance Base Camp, while the foreign climber suffered minor injuries. 'Local climber Iftikhar Hussain, a resident of Sadpara, Skardu, lost his life in the incident,' APP reported on Saturday. 'His body was recovered and brought down to the base camp.' Standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) on the Pakistan-China border, K2 is 238 meters shorter than Everest but is considered technically more challenging— earning it the nickname 'Savage Mountain.' Following the incident, the expedition outfitter submitted a formal request to Major General Irfan Arshad, the president of the ACP and Askari Aviation, for a mercy helicopter operation to repatriate the deceased. The request was approved on humanitarian grounds, after which Hussain's body was airlifted to Skardu in northern Pakistan. Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region is home to some of the tallest peaks in the world and a major tourist destination. Thousands of tourists and foreign climbers visit the region each year for expeditions on various peaks, paragliding and other sports activities. Pakistan has produced several professional climbers, both men and women, who have summited some of the world's tallest peaks in recent years.
Arab News
31-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan national airline resumes direct flights from Dubai to Skardu to boost tourism
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has resumed direct flights between Dubai and Pakistan's mountainous Skardu district, the Pakistani consulate in Dubai said on Friday, in a bid to boost tourism. The Skardu district lies in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region, which is home to five of the world's 14 peaks above 8,000 meters and a major tourist destination. In Jan., CNN declared the scenic region among top 25 destinations in the world that are particularly worth visiting in 2025. To mark the resumption of PIA's Dubai-Skardu flights, initially launched in Aug. 2023, a ceremony was held at the airline's office in Dubai, which was attended by Pakistani Consul General Hussain Muhammad and other officials. 'PIA Regional Manager Mr. Sarmad Aizaz and his team hosted the event, celebrating this significant step toward boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties between the UAE and Pakistan,' the Pakistani consulate said. 'The event also welcomed members of a foreign tourist group traveling on the inaugural flight, underscoring the growing interest in Pakistan's scenic northern areas.' The development comes days after PIA announced the launch of direct flights from Lahore to Paris, with the first flight taking off on June 18. In January, PIA resumed flights to Europe after a four-and-a-half-year ban was lifted by EU regulators, becoming the only carrier to offer a direct route to and from the European Union.
Khaleej Times
30-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE-Pakistan travel: PIA relaunches direct flights from Dubai to Skardu
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) announced on May 30 the re-launch of its direct service between Dubai International (DXB) airport and Pakistan's Skardu (KDU) city. The launch was held at the PIA office in Dubai, and attended by Hussain Muhammad, Consul General. The event also welcomed members of a foreign tourist group travelling on the inaugural flight, underscoring the growing interest in Pakistan's scenic northern areas. Sarmad Aizaz, regional manager of PIA, said the launch of this seasonal flight is a 'significant step toward boosting tourism and strengthening people-to-people ties between the UAE and Pakistan.' Pakistan's national carrier emerged from financial turbulence and recorded its first-ever net profit in over two decades. The announcement came ahead of a second attempt by the government to sell the airline. "PIACL Board today has approved its accounts FY 2024, and after 21 years, it has achieved an operating profit of Rs9.3 Billion ($33.14 million) and net profit of Rs26.2 Billion (after deferred tax adjustment)," said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Defence and Aviation Minister. Pakistan had offloaded nearly 80 per cent of the airline's legacy debt and shifted it to government books ahead of the privatisation attempt.
