Paragliding history in Pakistan

Paragliding was developed in Europe during early 1980s and was open to all by 1985. It was probably the first time in Pakistan, when two French mountaineers flew Para gliders in Karakoram, Northern Areas of Pakistan in 1985.

Many foreigners took the advantage of undefined laws about paragliding in Pakistan and flew among the highest mountain on earth. In September 2004 Markus Mayer – German and some of his friends enjoyed their flights near the Fairy Meadows, Nanga Parbat base of Riakot face and in Hunza Valley. Markus Mayer in 1997 first time in Pakistan he flew from Nathiagali down into the Jehlum Valley.

David Hamilton – British mountaineer took some flight near Gondogoro Pass, Hamish Robertson – Australian mountaineer also flew from Gondogoro Pass to Hushe Valley in 2005 summer (check the pictures).

But it was not before 1990 when a Pakistani (again mountaineer), Captain (now Lieutenant Colonel) Doctor Abdul Jabbar Bhatti, brought this sport to Pakistan and demonstrated his skills to Pakistanis through Pakistan Television. Even before there was another Pakistani enthusiast Sajjad Hussain Shah, who started learning this air sport during 1986 in Japan and started flying in Pakistan in 1993.

Later on many other people learnt this sport and flown in the airs of Pakistan like, Belal Ahmed, Abbas Hussain and many more to mention.

To promote three free flying sports i.e. hang gliding, paragliding and parasailing in Pakistan PAFF – Pakistan Association of Free Flying was formed later in 2002. PAFF is recognized by Civil Aviation Authority as Microlight Organization (governing body) in Pakistan. PAFF is also affiliated with International Aeronautical Federation through All Pakistan Ultralight and Aero Modeling Association.

Paragliding is a very challenging, life-threatening sport for beginners in Karakoram, better the professional do this sport in Karakoram, weather is very different and unusual strong conditions even for good pilots.

Source: Asghar Ali Porik

Managing Director

M/s Jasmine Tours

GPO Box 859, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Tel: 0092-51-5586823 Fax: 0092-51-5584566

email: info@jasminetours.com

web: www.jasminetours.com

Site in French: www.decouvertepakistan.com

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