Naila Kiani, a trailblazing adventurer, has etched her name in the annals of Pakistan's mountaineering history. This audacious climber, who once served as a banker in Dubai, is now aiming for a grand achievement – conquering all 14 of the world's towering peaks.
The Pinnacle of Success
With eight triumphant climbs already under her belt, Naila Kiani stands tall as the first and only Pakistani woman to accomplish this remarkable feat. Her relentless determination and unwavering spirit have propelled her to this unparalleled position within the country's mountaineering landscape.
A Glimpse into the Future
As she gazes forward, Naila's aspirations remain resolute. "I am driven to ascend further and faster," she shared exclusively with Geo News during an insightful interview. Her sights are now set on the remaining six summits, a testament to her unyielding resolve.
Scaling the Pakistani Peaks
Naila's journey recently saw her surmounting the Nanga Parbat and Broad Peak, thereby fulfilling her ambition of scaling all five of Pakistan's highest peaks. This accomplishment is even more awe-inspiring considering that she embarked on this journey only two years ago.
From Experiment to Passion
What commenced as a mere experiment swiftly evolved into Naila's fervent passion. She reminisced, "Sport was always in my blood, but I never envisioned myself as a mountaineer." It was during a visit to the K2 base camp that her curiosity was piqued, igniting her desire to experience the thrill of summiting a mountain.
Overcoming Boundaries
Selecting Gasherbrum II as her inaugural peak was a daring choice. Despite initial uncertainty, Naila's ascent proved triumphant, fueling her determination to tackle one peak after another. Since her conquest of G-II in 2021, Naila has mastered K2, Gasherbrum I, Annapurna, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nanga Parbat, and Broad Peak.
Ascending New Heights
Among her notable achievements, Naila holds the distinction of being the first Pakistani woman atop six of the eight summits she has tackled. While Samina Baig was ahead of her by a few hours at K2, Naila has now unequivocally emerged as Pakistan's most accomplished female mountaineer.
A Remarkable Journey
Reflecting on her incredible journey, Naila humbly expressed, "At times, it feels surreal. How did I manage all of this? How did it all transpire?" Being the first Pakistani woman to achieve this milestone is an honor that she cherishes deeply.
The Power of Belief
Naila's path was rife with challenges, yet she remained steadfast in her belief that every obstacle could be surmounted. Her journey was not without personal sacrifices, especially as a mother to two young daughters. Despite the difficulty of leaving them behind during expeditions, their presence becomes a wellspring of strength when navigating treacherous terrains.
Advocating for Change
Naila is also a vocal advocate for improvements in the mountaineering landscape of Pakistan. She underscores the need for enhanced public sector support and upgraded infrastructure for mountaineers. Additionally, she emphasizes the necessity of bolstered rescue facilities within the Pakistani mountains.
A Message of Empowerment
Amid her myriad accomplishments, Naila's aspirations extend beyond personal success. She endeavors to set a profound example for her daughters, offering them a resounding message – the seemingly unattainable is, in fact, within reach.
With a resolute tone, she urges aspiring female mountaineers to relentlessly pursue their aspirations and reach loftier goals.
Naila Kiani's expedition from a banker in Dubai to the summits of the world's highest peaks stands as a testament to human potential and determination. Her journey has not only carved a niche in mountaineering history but also illuminated the path for generations of aspiring climbers.
As Naila continues to scale new heights and inspire countless others, her legacy becomes etched in the very mountains she conquers.
