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    Samina, we are proud of you!

    Written by: Amna Javed
    Posted on: March 06, 2015 |

    Samina and Mirza Ali Baig on their journey to Mount Everest

    Adventure Diplomacy Group hosted the premier of the documentary ‘Beyond the Heights’ at Serena Hotel Islamabad, here on Thursday. The documentary brings to light Samina Baig’s journey to the top of Mount Everest. Samina Baig made headlines when she conquered Mount Everest in May 2013 and became the first Pakistani woman and youngest Muslim woman to have accomplished such a feat.

    Samina Baig's journey to the top of Mount Everest

    Samina Baig

    The Adventure Diplomacy Group, comprising of Embassies of Argentine Republic, Republic of Indonesia, Nepal, Russian Federation, the United States of America and Serena Hotels, undertakes initiatives to promote individuals such as Samina Baig and her brother Mirza Ali Baig and provides them a platform to showcase their talents.

    H.E. Mr. Bharat Raj Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal gave the opening remarks at the event and said, “Samina’s journey to the top of Mount Everest is a souvenir to all those individuals who dream to achieve higher. Not only does the documentary depict Samina’s journey, it also portrays the alluring beauty and formidable landscape of the Himalayas.”

    Mountaineering is a tough challenge and Samina Baig made it easy by her sheer determination and courage. In their journey through the mountains, another important message was that of gender equality and women empowerment. While most people only talk about these critical issues, Mirza Ali Baig and Samina Baig lived by example and showed the world what a young woman can achieve if she is offered the opportunity and support. Produced and written by Mirza Ali Baig and directed by Jawad Sharif, the documentary ‘Beyond the Heights’ is a byproduct of Samina and Mirza’s adventurous journey to the world’s highest peak.

    While giving an overview of the documentary, Mirza Ali Baig, the man of many talents, expressed his sheer joy at his sister’s accomplishment. “This is the best moment of my life. I have achieved what I strived for and here I am presenting it before all of you,” beamed Mirza.

    The story of ‘Beyond the Heights’ is about overcoming the challenges one faces in their lives. It portrays how a girl, merely four feet, scaled one of the tallest mountain peaks of the world. Hailing from the small village of Shimshal in Gilgit-Baltistan area of Pakistan, with little resources and opportunity, Samina managed to achieve her goals with her strong resolve and valor. It puts forth the notion that how individuals with an idea, a determination and the will to achieve their goals can accomplish what they set out to. Through the documentary Mirza and Samina have tried to inspire Pakistan’s youth to deal with the challenges that come their way. While addressing the occasion, Mirza remarked, “Men and women are equally capable. Samina has shown what Pakistani women are capable of.”

    Samina Baig's journey to the top of Mount Everest

    Samina Baig with distinguished guests at the launch of her documentary 'Beyond the Heights'

    ‘Beyond the Heights’ is a truly inspirational documentary that illustrates what resolute individuals can do in the face of obstacles. The Chief Guest at the occasion, Mr. Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhry, Foreign Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan expressed his honor at being among the accomplished mountaineers, Samina and Mirza and appreciated the efforts of CEO Serena Hotel, Mr. Aziz Bolani in bringing the siblings’ story to the world. The event was attended by a large number of people from diplomatic missions, media, business community and the civil society.


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    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021