ISLAMABAD: The 14th annual Pakistan Mountain Festival, the world’s largest event highlighting mountain conservation, culture, and community, is set to begin on November 27.
Organized by Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan), this two-week festival celebrates Pakistan’s majestic mountain regions and the communities that call them home, including the Karakoram, Himalayas, and Hindu Kush ranges.
The festival will kick off with a live painting session by students at the Punjab Arts Council, where young artists will portray their visions of mountain heritage and environmental themes, according to Munir Ahmed, Devcom-Pakistan Executive Director and festival founder. This opening event leads into a series of gatherings across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, blending culture, ecology, and traditional mountain crafts.
The festival annually celebrates International Mountain Day on December 11, and this year’s lineup features a variety of events designed to engage mountain lovers, environmentalists, and the general public. Highlights include a mountain biodiversity talk, a hiking and cleanup activity on Margalla Hills, a youth forum, and a vibrant fair showcasing mountain crafts, cuisine, and music.
Ahmed noted that the festival aims to connect mountain communities with a broader audience, spotlighting both the challenges and the cultural wealth of Pakistan’s high-altitude areas. “The Pakistan Mountain Festival serves as a global model for mainstreaming mountain issues and encouraging sustainable development,” Ahmed said, adding, “We hope it inspires action and builds public appreciation for the mountains that sustain us.” –Agencies
