Qatri Royal Sheikha Asma Al Thani Named Pakistan’s Tourism Ambassador After Nanga Parbat Triumph

By: Syed Amir Jehan Sherazi

In a powerful gesture that celebrates courage, international friendship, and the boundless spirit of adventure, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday officially appointed Her Highness Sheikha Asma Al Thani of Qatari royal as Pakistan’s Brand Ambassador for Mountains and Tourism. The announcement follows her extraordinary ascent of Nanga Parbat — the world’s ninth-highest peak and one of the most treacherous climbs known to mankind.

Often referred to as the “Killer Mountain” due to its perilous terrain and unforgiving weather conditions, Nanga Parbat stands tall at 8,126 meters in the heart of Gilgit-Baltistan. It has long been considered one of the deadliest challenges in the world of high-altitude mountaineering. By successfully reaching its summit, Sheikha Asma Al Thani not only etched her name into the history books of global exploration but also became a source of inspiration for adventurers and dreamers across the globe.

In recognition of her achievement and in a move that underscores the deepening bonds between Pakistan and Qatar, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to the social media platform X to express his admiration and extend the nation’s heartfelt congratulations.

“I am pleased to appoint Her Highness Sheikha Asma Al Thani as the Brand Ambassador for Pakistan’s Mountains and Tourism,” the Prime Minister wrote. “My heartfelt felicitations to Her Highness on her recent feat of scaling Nanga Parbat. It is truly inspiring! Her achievement sends a powerful message of courage and determination, and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Qatar.”

Sheikha Asma’s journey to the summit was anything but easy. In a moving and deeply personal reflection shared on her Instagram following the climb, she revealed the intensity and dangers of the expedition.

“Alhamdulillah — Nanga Parbat. My ninth 8000er and one of the toughest climbs I’ve faced. This mountain tested me in ways I didn’t expect, from black ice beneath my feet to rockfall every few seconds. A constant reminder of how fragile life truly is,” she wrote.

“But even in that danger, there was growth. There was surrender and there was strength I didn’t know I still had. I climb not just to reach summits but to return to what matters, to strip away the noise and reconnect with myself. This mountain will stay with me forever.”

Sheikha Asma’s appointment as Brand Ambassador is not merely ceremonial but it represents a broader vision to promote Pakistan’s majestic mountain ranges and the untapped potential of its tourism sector on the world stage. Her international stature, combined with her genuine passion for adventure, makes her a fitting and influential figure to carry Pakistan’s message of natural beauty, resilience, and opportunity to a global audience.

Pakistan is home to five of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, including K2 — the second-highest mountain on Earth. With its towering ranges, pristine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, the country holds immense promise for eco-tourism, adventure travel, and cross-cultural exchange.

Sheikha Asma’s remarkable summit of Nanga Parbat — her ninth 8,000-meter peak — is a milestone that speaks to her indomitable spirit. But more than that, it signals a renewed era of international cooperation and mutual admiration between nations who share values of courage, resilience, and exploration.

As Pakistan continues to open its doors to the world, Her Highness’s appointment serves as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when passion meets purpose, and when nations come together to celebrate the heights of human potential.

Her journey is not only a triumph of physical endurance but a metaphor for Pakistan’s rising aspirations in the realms of tourism, diplomacy, and global engagement.

Twitter link: https://x.com/CMShehbaz/status/1942528314779869606

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/DLw3xfiozxu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

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