Five Pakistanis Conquer Nanga Parbat, Two Without Supplemental Oxygen

News Desk

Islamabad: In a remarkable display of endurance and mountaineering prowess, five Pakistani climbers successfully summited the treacherous 8,126-meter Nanga Parbat—the ninth-highest mountain in the world—within the past 24 hours. Two of them achieved the rare feat without supplemental oxygen, further elevating Pakistan’s growing stature in the global climbing community.

According to confirmations from the Alpine Club of Pakistan and multiple expedition sources, the successful summiteers include Ashraf Sadpara, Dr Rana Hassan Javed, Ali Hassan, Sohail Sakhi, and Shehzad Karim.

Among them, Ashraf Sadpara, son of the legendary mountaineer the late Ali Raza Sadpara, completed a historic milestone by summiting all five of Pakistan’s 8,000-meter peaks—K2 (three times), Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and now Nanga Parbat.

“This morning, the renowned Pakistani climber Ashraf Sadpara successfully summited the mighty Nanga Parbat. With this achievement, Ashraf has now summited all five of Pakistan’s 8,000-meter peaks, including K2, which he has climbed three times—a testament to his unmatched determination, skill, and spirit of adventure,” said Ayaz Ahmed Shigri of the Alpine Club of Pakistan.

Fellow climber Sohail Sakhi of Hunza also reached the summit at 11 a.m. (local time) without supplemental oxygen or Sherpa support, a feat expedition company Moving Mountains called “monumental.”

“This isn’t just a climb—it’s a defining achievement in Pakistani mountaineering. Taking on the Killer Mountain without support and succeeding is the mark of a true legend,” the company stated. Sakhi has previously scaled Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and K2, all without artificial oxygen.

Dr Rana Hassan Javed, a Rawalpindi-based plastic surgeon, reached the summit as part of an eight-member international team. This marks his second 8,000-meter summit following Gasherbrum II in 2024. Praising his accomplishment, mountaineer Naila Kiani said, “Dr Hassan balances his profession as a doctor and his passion for mountaineering with incredible dedication.”

Joining Dr Rana was Ali Hassan, a seasoned high-altitude porter from the Hushe Valley, who summited alongside him on Thursday. Shehzad Karim, also from Hunza, reached the peak at 1 p.m. on Friday.

Nanga Parbat—often referred to as the “Killer Mountain” due to its deadly terrain and unpredictable weather—remains one of the world’s most feared climbs. All climbers are now descending, with expedition teams closely monitoring their safe return.

This successful ascent not only adds to the country’s growing mountaineering record but also underscores the unmatched courage, resilience, and spirit of Pakistan’s climbers on some of the world’s most dangerous peaks.

Additional input from Geo News.