Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani has reached the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), becoming the first woman from Pakistan to climb 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 metres, her team confirmed on Friday.
Kiani began her final push toward the summit on Thursday evening, enduring extreme cold and heavy snowfall during the overnight climb. Her success places her within reach of joining an exclusive global group of fewer than 20 women who have conquered all “eight-thousanders.”
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In a message shared during her descent, Kiani expressed that the achievement was not just personal, but also meant to inspire women across Pakistan and beyond. Her expedition was backed by the BARD Foundation, which supports local talent in various fields.
Abdul Razak Dawood, the foundation’s founder, hailed her accomplishment as a historic milestone reflecting dedication and resilience.
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Kiani, a mother of two and a professional with diverse achievements—including aerospace engineering, banking, boxing, and AI entrepreneurship—has also led several high-altitude cleanups and humanitarian missions.
Leaders of the Alpine Club of Pakistan praised her as a symbol of strength and inspiration. Her recent summit adds to her growing legacy, bringing her closer to completing all 14 of the world’s highest mountains.