MENDOZA: Pakistan’s Asad Ali Memon successfully climbed Aconcagua — the highest mountain peak in South America — and hoisted a 50-meter-long national flag at the top this week.

The 22-year-old mountaineer dedicated his success to the soldiers of Pakistan Army and the people of Kashmir after making it to the highest mountain in the world outside Asia.

Aconcagua is a mountain in the Principal Cordillera of the Andes mountain range, in Mendoza Province, Argentina with an elevation of 22,837 feet. Climbing Aconcagua was a part of ‘Seven Summit Challenge’ for Asad Ali.

“After reaching Mendoza, it took me some time to rent the equipment which was missing and most importantly got the climbing permit which is necessary for the climb. When everything was done, I prepared myself for getting to Penitentes which is the starting point of the toughest yet exciting climb. And here I am today, on top of Aconcagua and feeling great in doing my country proud,” concluded Asad.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2020