Conclusion
How does your family respond to you passion for mountaineering?
They have always supported me. First my parents and now my wife and children, always respected my passion for climbing and trusted my instinct and concern for my own safety.
Is there among your kids who will be following your footsteps?
It's too early to say as all my kids are studying currently, but I think my youngest son is interested in mountaineering. But again he is too young at the time to finally decide.
What I have noticed that you converse in English very well and are aware of all the latest technology, equipment and development. Even without formal education how do you do it all?
That is true that I did not receive formal education but like all the Shimshali's I believe in personal development without restriction of age. I did not get a chance to go back to studies but I kept on improving myself. After initial introduction to the computer, I learnt it all by myself. Same with the internet and all the social website. As far as English is concerned, I learnt that by working with foreigners and reading books. Even with my kids, I taught them to make their studies their priorities.
In 2017, Qudrat Ali walked from Gilgit to native village Shimshal bare foot to symbolize peace. He covered 200+ Km in 9 days.
His message was to celebrate the progression in community and sacrifices everyone made in the past.
That is brilliant, I hope everyone gets a mindset like that. Beside mountaineering, what are your other hobbies?
I amuse myself with painting landscapes. I have a collection of my painting at my home. Apart from that I enjoy traditional Sword Dancing.
Sword Dancing is popular in Hunza Valley and attracts a lot of spectators.
People in Shimshal wear traditional dress during ceremonies.
I wish to see your work in both fields some day. What are the prospects of mountaineering in Pakistan?
Currently, I am a little disappointed due to the situation. For local climbers, it's very hard to find sponsors to make up for high royalties and for the foreigners, Pakistan has to come up with a strong marketing strategy to recreate their interest in our mountains. On a brighter side, I am glad to see interest of urban youth in Pakistan towards mountaineering. Together we can bring our country in the list of top destinations for recreational and professional tourists.
End
The published interview ends here. But I do have a lot more details about him
If you have any question, feel free to ask.
