Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani has made history by reaching the summit of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), becoming the first Pakistani woman to conquer 12 of the world’s 14 highest peaks above 8,000 meters, her team announced Friday.
Kiani completed her final ascent overnight under extreme conditions, facing sub-zero temperatures and heavy snowfall. Her achievement places her on the brink of joining an elite group of fewer than 20 women worldwide who have scaled all 14 of the so-called “eight-thousanders.”
“This summit is not just a personal milestone,” Kiani said in a message during her descent. “It’s a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: you are stronger than you think.”
The climb was made possible with support from the BARD Foundation, an initiative founded by Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood to promote Pakistani talent. “What Naila has achieved is historic,” said Abdul Razak Dawood. “Her determination and purpose embody the values we strive to support.”
Kiani is not only a pioneering mountaineer but also an aerospace engineer, banker, competitive boxer, mother of two, and co-founder of an AI startup—making her one of Pakistan’s most accomplished sportswomen. She has previously been awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honors, and has led several high-altitude cleanups and humanitarian missions.
Her feat drew widespread praise from the mountaineering community. “We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Naila Kiani on this historic accomplishment,” said Major General Irfan Arshad and Abu Zafar Sadiq, Patron and President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), respectively. “She is a beacon of inspiration for all Pakistanis, especially women in sports.”
“This is more than just a climb—it’s a landmark moment for Pakistan and a source of immense national pride,” added Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the ACP. “We salute her unparalleled courage and determination.”
Kiani is now just two summits away from becoming the first Pakistani to scale all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.
Her completed ascents include:
- Everest
- K2
- Broad Peak
- Nanga Parbat
- Gasherbrum I
- Gasherbrum II
- Annapurna
- Lhotse
- Manaslu
- Makalu
- Cho Oyu
- Kanchenjunga
