ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan shared a video of the snow-covered lands of Gabin Jabba town in Swat Valley, calling it a newly discovered site for skiing in Pakistan.
The video showed children skiing in the picturesque landscape surrounded by snowy mountain tops and trees.
Khan expressed hope Pakistan will soon become competitive in the Winter Olympics as the local children now have a place to practice the sport.
“This is a newly discovered skiing area in Gabin Jabba, Swat. Now that children are learning to ski in Swat, InshaAllah soon Pakistan will become competitive in Winter Olympics,” he wrote.
This is a newly discovered skiing area in Gabin Jabba, Swat. Now that children are learning to ski in Swat, InshaAllah soon Pakistan will become competitive in Winter Olympics. pic.twitter.com/uMCXycJ371
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 20, 2022
Locals tout Swat as “the Switzerland of Pakistan”. But the experience is uniquely Pakistani. Military checkpoints abound, while gun-toting policemen riding up the mountain flout chairlift signs warning: “No Smoking, No Weapons”.
There is no apres-ski boozing as alcohol is banned, nor Swiss Raclette cheese, but lentil curry and deep-fried kebab patties make ample fuel for skiers.
It is also easier for people to explore their own country than a holiday abroad.
Regional road trips are difficult, with war-torn Afghanistan and arch-foe India next door, while the United States and many European countries have tightened visa restrictions as part of tougher security measures.
