Pakistan’s Naila Kiani has once again etched her name in the annals of mountaineering history by becoming the first Pakistani woman to conquer Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world, standing tall at 8,485 meters.
On Sunday, Naila reached the summit of Makalu at approximately 8:50 am Pakistan time, marking a monumental achievement in her illustrious climbing career.
This extraordinary feat not only adds another milestone to Naila’s already impressive record but also underscores her exceptional endurance and determination in the face of extreme challenges.
In a statement following her successful ascent, Naila expressed her gratitude to the nation for their prayers and good wishes. She also extended her thanks to Sherpa Gelgen Dai from Imagine Nepal, whose unwavering support played a crucial role in her accomplishment.
Naila Kiani is renowned as a high-altitude mountaineer, holding the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman to conquer eleven of the world’s highest peaks, all exceeding 8,000 meters. What sets her apart is the remarkable speed with which she achieved this feat – less than six months, placing her among a select group of mountaineers worldwide and the sole Pakistani to have scaled multiple peaks (seven) over 8,000 meters in such a short timeframe.
Beyond her mountaineering achievements, Naila is a multifaceted individual. She is an aerospace engineer, having pursued her studies at the University of London, and has held a prominent position as an Associate Vice President at HSBC bank. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is also a competitive boxer and a devoted mother of two toddlers, demonstrating her commitment to excelling in various aspects of life.
Naila Kiani serves as a role model and a goodwill ambassador for several organizations supporting women’s education and youth empowerment through sports. Her dedication to mountaineering and her advocacy for social causes have earned her recognition from the government of Pakistan, which bestowed upon her the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the highest civilian honour for a female athlete in the country.
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