NO summit seems beyond reach for Naila Kiani. She is now a mere two peaks away from making history. In so many ways, she already has. In terms of ascents, Naila is Pakistan’s leading woman mountaineer. Her summit of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain, last week means she has now scaled 12 of the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000m. Only 17 women have conquered all and Naila is on the point of having her name etched in the record books. But that is not all. Naila has broken stereotypes and barriers for women mountaineers in the country. As a mother of two, she has shown incredible grit to go far and beyond. She started her mountaineering career in 2021; at a more advanced age than her counterparts. Instead of setting easier targets at the start of her climbing journey, she aimed for the very top.

Upon scaling Kanchenjunga, she said it was a message to Pakistan’s women to realise their strength. Naila has previously said she had to face questions from society over pursuing mountaineering full time. With each successful ascent, she has given an emphatic answer — being a shining example for women empowerment in the country. According to her, though, her journey has just started and it is a mission that goes beyond scaling the world’s highest peaks. Naila has been made the goodwill ambassador for girls’ education by the federal education ministry and is aiding the cause for women’s empowerment through sports in the country. Her daring feats have also earned her the Sitara-i-Imtiaz — one of the country’s highest civilian accolades. Naila has been a trailblazer for women mountaineers in the country and as she goes for her final two eight-thousanders — the Dhaulagiri and Shishapangma — it must be ensured that she has all the support that she requires. After all, it is not just a personal milestone but a matter of pride for the country as well.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2025