PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) provincial government has introduced a two-year tax exemption on mountaineering in the Hindu Kush range to encourage tourism, as per the private tv channel report.
According to the details, the Director General (DG) of the Provincial Tourism Authority confirmed that the exemption will apply for the years 2025 and 2026.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Tirich Mir, 2025 has been designated as the “Year of Tirich Mir,” according to the DG Tourism.
This initiative is expected to enhance activity in the mountaineering and tourism sectors, drawing more local and international visitors.
The province’s scenic valleys and high peaks already attract many tourists, and this policy is expected to further stimulate tourism.
Last year, authorities issued over 1,700 permits to foreign mountaineers, including 175 for K2, which stands at 8,611 meters.
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Mountaineers have set up base camps at K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II.
Sajid Ali Sadpara, son of the late mountaineer Muhammad Ali Sadpara, has arrived at K2 base camp to attempt an oxygen-free ascent. He also plans to climb Broad Peak (8,051 meters) this year.
Reports state that multiple expedition groups, including women’s teams, have reached K2 base camp. Some have established camps, while others have started trekking from Skardu and Shigar districts.
Two all-women teams are en route to Skardu to attempt K2. One is a joint Pakistan-Italy team, and the other consists of six Pakistani women.
