A duo of Pakistani and Danish climbers, in a first-ever joint five-day climbing expedition, have made history by reaching the peak of Malika Parbat (north peak) at 5,290 meters, the highest mountain in the Hazara Division. This expedition is the first-ever ascent of the North Peak by a Pakistan, said a press release by the Danish Embassy on Thursday. Jens J Simonsen, the Danish climber who works as the deputy head of the mission at the embassy, stated upon his return: “It was really important for me to do this ascent with a Pakistani climber, not only as an expression of my friendship with Pakistani climbers but also as a small concrete expression of the friendship between Denmark and Pakistan.
Pakistan is a country of so many strengths and beautiful natural resources, which is breathtaking, especially for us who come from abroad and knew very little about Pakistan.” Malika Parbat is clearly visible from the popular tourist spot of Lake Saiful Maluk in Kaghan Valley. The mountain is considered impossible to ascend by the local population due to its steepness and other hazards. Imran Junaidi, the Pakistani climber, said that he was extremely happy to have taken on the challenge, and to have climbed together with his Danish friend. Only eight climbers have reached the top of Malika Parbat (north peak) until now.