Pakistani female mountaineer Naila Kiani has become the first Pakistani woman to scale three peaks of over 8000 meters, as she summited Gasherbrum I peak on Friday morning. Gasherbrum is the 11th highest mountain peak in the world.
Kiani is a Dubai-based banker and mother of two. She first gained prominence after images of her wedding shoot at K2 Basecamp in 2018 circulated on social media. Kiani completed her expedition despite severe weather conditions between C2 and C3. She had summited Gasherbrum-II, the 13th highest mountain in the world in 2021 and ascended K2 last month.
“This was one of the most difficult tasks I have undertaken in my life and it has only been my passion for adventure sports and mountaineering that drove me to achieve this,” exclaimed Naila after her successful summit. “I’m humbled by the constant faith my nation and especially the mountain climbing community has shown in my efforts. The BARD Foundation has served as my guiding light through this time. Their unconditional support of my endeavors is a testament to their noble vision of enabling Pakistani sports enthusiasts,” said Naila Kiani on her success.
Read more: Pakistani mountaineers become first women in Pakistan to conquer K2
Bilquis and Razzak Dawood Foundation is the official sponsor of Naila Kiani. Razak Dawood also congratulated Kiani on her summit. Dawood said, “Naila embodies the spirit of Pakistan’s greats, the work ethic, the desire to give of herself and her heart, and the love of victory. With each successful climb, she etches her name in history, inspires countless other young girls, and makes our country great. Naila’s monumental feat to summit the Gasherbrum I right after the K2 summit inspires the Foundation to continue supporting young talent, with opportunities to excel in athletics and sports. Naila’s success is proof of the tenacity women possess to achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Naila is also a trained boxer and an adventure enthusiast. She was presented with the award by the President of Pakistan in 2021.