Seven Days Winter Feast to Showcase Gilgit-Baltistan's Cultural Splendor and National Ice Hockey Championship

Islamabad - 8 January 2024 (Adnan Hameed) : The enchanting region of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) is gearing up for the second edition of the Seven Days Winter Feast, a vibrant celebration of culture and sports, set to commence on January 15, 2024. The event will unfold across ten districts, promising a week-long extravaganza featuring cultural activities, local sports, and the much-anticipated National Ice Hockey Championship. At a press conference held at Serena Hotel on Sunday, GB ministers voiced their enthusiasm for the festival. Minister for Tourism, Ghulam Muhammad, emphasized the government's commitment to promoting tourism throughout the year, citing the success of the Autumn Rally at Sarfaranga in Skardu, which attracted a substantial international tourist turnout in October 2023. Raja Nasir Ali Khan, Minister for Planning and Development, highlighted the importance of events like the Seven Days Winter Feast in showcasing GB's traditional heritage, culture, and values to a global audience. He urged visitors to experience the warm hospitality of the local community amidst the breathtaking peaks of the region. Air Commodore (R) Shahid Nadeem, Vice President of Pakistan Winter Sports, expressed the significance of the National Ice Hockey Championship in unlocking tourism potential and drawing attention to GB's scenic beauty. Captain (R) Mushtaq Ahmed, Additional Chief Secretary, underlined the event's role in presenting a positive image of Pakistan to the world while acknowledging the neglected opportunities for sports and cultural activities in GB. The government, in collaboration with the Winter Sports Federation, aims to address the challenges of climate change through the festival, drawing attention to the gradual melting of glaciers in the region. Capt. Mushtaq Ahmed also expressed gratitude to the partners, anticipating their contributions to significantly boost tourism and revenue in GB. The Seven Days Winter Feast is not just a celebration; it's a strategic effort to position GB as a hub of tourism, inviting the world to explore the wonders of this paradise on earth. As glaciers recede, the festival becomes a platform to raise awareness globally and usher in a new era of sustainable tourism.