Pakistan is taking a major step to boost adventure tourism and create new job opportunities. The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) has announced an ambitious plan to train up to 5,000 professionals in mountaineering and climbing over the next five years.
According to Beyond Time News, this initiative aims to bring Pakistan’s mountaineering sector in line with international standards.
A Big Move for Adventure Tourism
First of all, ACP President Irfan Arshad said the country is finally addressing a long-standing gap in formal mountaineering education. For years, the lack of structured training limited growth in this sector.
Now, however, the new plan focuses on building a skilled workforce that can support tourism, safety, and global competitiveness.
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New Training Institutions in Development
To support this vision, several key facilities are being developed.
- A mountaineering school has already been set up in Sadpara, a well-known village in Gilgit-Baltistan.
- Meanwhile, a National Mountaineering School in Shigar is under development with government backing. The project, worth around Rs946 million, is currently in the tendering phase.
- In addition, an Alpine Climbing Academy in Islamabad is also in progress, with its structure and courses being finalised.
Certified Training for All Levels
Importantly, the programme will offer both advanced and short-term courses. While professional climbers will undergo detailed certification, shorter courses will train support staff such as guides, kitchen crews, and helpers.
Moreover, these courses will be approved by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), ensuring quality and recognition.
Mandatory Certification Ahead
Looking ahead, ACP plans to make certification compulsory. Within the next few years, tour operators will only be allowed to hire trained and certified staff. As a result, safety standards and service quality are expected to improve significantly.
Boost for Gilgit-Baltistan Economy
Finally, the initiative is expected to benefit regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, where tourism plays a key role in livelihoods. Mountaineering, hiking, and climbing are closely linked to local employment, making this programme a potential game-changer for the regional economy.
Overall, Pakistan’s new training initiative could reshape its adventure tourism industry, making it safer, more professional, and globally competitive.
