Malam Jabba Skiing Festival opens Pakistan’s scenic Swat Valley to the world
Islamabad – Scenic Swat Valley was brimming with tourists and winter sports lovers who enjoyed skiing gala during the recent ‘Malam Jabba Snow Festival’.
Over 30 national and international players participated in the competition that included slalom, giant slalom and free downhill races.
The four-day skiing gala and snow festival, which was jointly organised by the Pakistan Army, district administration and Samson group of companies, concluded last weekend.
The Swat Deputy Commissioner team won the skiing gala at the 9,000-foot-high ski slope in Malam Jabba, while the Civil Aviation Authority team secured the second position and Pakistan Police team came third.
Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Shaheen Mazhar Mahmood was invited as the chief guest to the closing ceremony. Officials from the civil administration and army and a large number of tourists from across the country witnessed the competition.
Congratulating the winners and participating teams, Lt Gen Mahmood said the natural beauty of Malam Jabba and Swat Valley was matchless. “The scenic beauty of Swat surpasses Europe and the people are hospitable and peace-loving and patriotic.”
He reminded that the sacrifices of people and security forces led to the restoration of peace in Swat valley that once witnessed an ugly phase of terrorism.
“Peace has been restored due to the efforts and sacrifices of the armed forces and locals. Terrorism has been defeated,” he said, adding, “The era of development and prosperity has begun.”
The visitors said the skiing festival has introduced them to one of the most beautiful parts of Pakistan and that the government must speed up efforts to attract international tourists to the region by developing infrastructure to attract winter sports lovers.
Pir Waris Shah, one of the organisers of the event, said that the skiing event is not only an attraction for tourists but also promoting the ski talent of the country.
“A free of cost training academy has been established at the Malam Jabba Ski Resort for those who are interested in skiing,” said Pir Waris Shah, adding that this festival was arranged aimed at not only to facilitate skiing festival but to create employment for the locals of the area.
Malam Jabba is the only civil skiing resort in Pakistan at about 8500 feet above the sea level.