History Made: Naila Kiani Climbs 12th World’s Highest Peak

News Desk

Islamabad: Naila Kiani has successfully reached the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m), marking a significant milestone as the first Pakistani woman to climb 12 of the world’s 14 peaks over 8,000 metres, her team confirmed on Friday.

Kiani began her final push to the summit in the evening, enduring extreme conditions, including sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall, to complete the ascent overnight. Her achievement brings her closer to joining a rare group of fewer than 20 women worldwide who have conquered all 14 of the world’s highest mountains, known as the “eight-thousanders.”

“This summit is more than a personal accomplishment,” Kiani said during her descent. “It’s a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: you are stronger than you believe.”

Her expedition was backed by the BARD Foundation, a philanthropic initiative by Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood supporting Pakistani talent. “What Naila has achieved is historic,” said Abdul Razak Dawood. “Her passion and determination embody the values we strive to promote.”

Kiani is not only an elite mountaineer but also an aerospace engineer, banker, competitive boxer, mother of two, and co-founder of an AI startup. Recognized with the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s highest civilian honour, she has also led initiatives for high-altitude environmental cleanups and humanitarian efforts.

Tributes poured in from the mountaineering community. “Our heartfelt congratulations to Naila Kiani on this landmark achievement,” said Major General Irfan Arshad, Patron of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), and the club’s president, Abu Zafar Sadiq. “She is a shining example and inspiration, especially for women in sports.”

“This is not just a personal victory, but a defining moment for Pakistan,” added Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the ACP. “We honour her unwavering determination and courage.”

With this latest feat, Kiani is now only two peaks away—Shishapangma and Dhaulagiri—from becoming the first Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s highest mountains. Her completed summits to date include:
Everest, K2, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Annapurna, Lhotse, Manaslu, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and now Kanchenjunga.