LAHORE: Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani has reached the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), becoming the first Pakistani woman to scale 12 of the world’s 14 highest peaks over 8,000 metres.
With this achievement, Naila Kiani joins an elite group of global mountaineers who have climbed 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters. She now has only two peaks left to conquer Cho Oyu and Shishapangma to complete all fourteen 8,000-meter summits.
The expedition was supported by the BARD Foundation, an initiative of Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood aimed at supporting Pakistani talent. “What Naila has achieved is historic,” said Abdul Razak Dawood. “Her drive and purpose reflect the values we aim to champion.”
An aerospace engineer, banker, competitive boxer, mother of two, and AI startup co-founder, Kiani has emerged as one of Pakistan’s most prominent sportswomen. She previously received the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, and has also led high-altitude environmental cleanups and humanitarian missions.
