Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announces Rs 2.5 million award for Everest climber Samina Baig

Samina Baig‚ the first Pakistani woman to scale Mount Everest‚ called on Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in Islamabad on Thursday.

Congratulating Samina Baig on scaling Everest and terming her achievement a landmark‚ the Prime Minister gave her a cash award of 2.5 million rupees in recognition of her becoming the first Pakistani woman to conquer the peak.

Samina Baig shared her feelings about conquering the 8‚848 meters peak with the Prime Minister.

Lauding her courage and determination‚ the Prime Minister said that Pakistani women are not only courageous but have the ability to meet challenges. He said that her expedition would go a long way in giving confidence to the women of the remote areas.

The Prime Minister said that his government would promote mountaineering in the country.