Naila Kiani’s Team
In a remarkable achievement, a team of eight mountaineers led by Naila Kiani has successfully recovered the body of Muhammad Hassan Shigri from an 8,200-meter peak on K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
This recovery mission, which took three days to complete, from the bottleneck to the base camp, marks the highest-ever body retrieval on K2.
Muhammad Hassan Shigri’s death last year had captured global attention due to the ethical concerns surrounding the incident.
Reports revealed that, at the time of his critical condition, other climbers had passed him by without offering assistance. This lack of aid during his final moments stirred significant debate and drew widespread criticism.
Naila Kiani, who was approached by Hassan’s family, swiftly assembled a skilled team to undertake this challenging mission.
The team, comprising experienced high-altitude climbers including Dilawar Sadpara, Akbar Hussein Sadpara, Zakir Hussein Sadpara, Mohammed Murad Sadpara, and Ali Mohammed Sadpara, along with a logistics manager, worked under arduous conditions to retrieve the body. Their expertise and determination were crucial in navigating the treacherous terrain of K2.
This mission was particularly noteworthy not only for its success but also for its timing. It coincided with the 70th anniversary of the first successful summit of K2.
Kiani’s leadership in this unprecedented rescue operation underscores the exceptional capabilities and dedication of Pakistani high-altitude climbers, who often undertake dangerous and costly missions with little recognition.
Previous attempts to recover Hassan’s body had faced significant challenges, including high costs and lack of official support.
Many of these attempts were deemed too risky or expensive, which contributed to the delay in the retrieval efforts. Kiani’s team overcame these hurdles, reflecting both their remarkable skills and their commitment to providing Hassan with a dignified burial.
Naila Kiani, who had already made headlines in May 2024 by scaling Makalu—the world’s fifth-highest peak—and becoming the first Pakistani woman to conquer 11 of the world’s 14 highest mountains, has further solidified her legacy with this successful recovery mission.
Her accomplishment on K2 not only highlights her personal achievements but also brings attention to the vital work of Pakistani climbers in the global mountaineering community.
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