Lofty but fragile.

PAKISTAN is set for its busiest mountaineering season in over a decade, with over 1,400 climbers from across the world attempting to scale its majestic peaks. As many as 700 permits have already been issued to international climbers - surpassing last year's 550. Not since the 9/11 attacks in the US and the subsequent 'war on terror', which made Pakistan a no-go area for foreign visitors, has the country seen such numbers. Earlier this month, a report released by the World Economic Forum showed Pakistan had risen by six points in the International Travel and Tourism Development Index and the country seems to be luring back tourists every year. Home to five of the world's 14 eight-thousander peaks, Pakistan's mountain wilderness has always been alluring. K2, the world's second-highest peak, is the main attraction and 400 climbing permits have already been issued for it. The influx of tourists, of course, opens up opportunities for locals as well as their businesses. Around 3,000 porters have already been engaged by various expeditions, and more will be required once other climbers arrive. The tourism ministry claims it...