GILGIT/ISLAMABAD: At least 52 mountaineers, including 11 Pakistani nationals, scaled Nanga Parbat (8,126 metres tall) on Sunday.

Among these climbers were Naila Kiani and Samina Baig, who became the first Pakistani women to scale the world’s ninth-highest peak. However, both were part of different expedition teams.

“Today on July 2, 2023, at 10:18am, Naila Kiani scaled the majestic Nanga Parbat, standing tall at an inspirational height of 8,125 metres. She became the first Pakistani woman to climb Nanga Parbat,” said Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) Secretary Karrar Haidri.

The ACP said that Naila Kiani has ascended seven out of the 14 peaks of 8,000 metres and above in height. Apart from Nanga Parbat, she has also scaled Mount Everest, K-2, Lhotse, Annapurna, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. “She serves as a bright example of how people can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles,” Mr Haidri said.

Naila Kiani, Samina Baig among 52 to scale ninth-highest peak

Samina Baig also became the first Pakistani woman to scale peaks on seven continents.

The ACP said that on Nanga Parbat, climbers had reported sections of hard ice and a sustainably steep climb. The Alpine Club said Ali Olszanski was struck by a rock and had to retreat to the base camp. He hoped to launch a fresh attempt soon.

Four expeditions

Over half a dozen climbers — Eid Muhammad, Ahmed Baig, Waqar Ali, Saeed Karim, Liaqat Karim, Shah Daulat from Shimshal and He Jing from China — scaled the mountain without additional oxygen for the first time.

According to Imagine Nepal, the 10-member expedition team reached the top of Nanga Parbat at 10:25am. Naila Kiani, Goliath from China, Tracee Lee Metcalfe from the US, Naoki Ishikawa from Japan, Sasko Kedev from North Macedonia, Dawa Sherpa, Tamting Sherpa, Dawa Gyalje Sherpa, Ngima Nuru Sherpa, Ngim Dorjee Tamang from Nepal successfully reached the summit.

Sakhawat Hussain, the managing director of Summit Karak­oram, told Dawn that Chris Warner and three Nepalese Sherpas also scaled the peak.

Ten members of the Seven Summit expedition team and 18 members of the Elite Expedition team also reached the top.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2023