GILGIT: In a historic achievement for Pakistan’s mountaineering community, two Pakistani climbers have successfully reached the summits of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga — the highest and third-highest peaks in the world, respectively. Both mountains are located in Nepal, with Mount Everest standing at 8,848 metres and Mount Kanchenjunga at 8,586 metres.
According to Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Wajidullah Nagri, a seasoned climber from Gilgit-Baltistan, successfully summited Mount Everest on Monday. Accompanied by renowned mountaineer Ang Tashi Sherpa, Nagri reached the world’s highest point as part of a Pioneer Adventure expedition.
“This extraordinary feat is a powerful symbol of courage, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit,” said Haidri, applauding Nagri’s accomplishment. “It is a proud and inspirational moment for Pakistan and the global climbing community.”
Hailing from Nagar district, Wajidullah Nagri is no stranger to high-altitude challenges. He has previously scaled K2, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum-I, and Gasherbrum-II, marking him as one of Pakistan’s elite mountaineers.
Meanwhile, Dr Shehla Sheikh, a US-based Pakistani mountaineer, became the first Pakistani woman to summit Mount Kanchenjunga, one of the most technically difficult and weather-challenged peaks among the 8,000-metre mountains. She completed the climb on Sunday and confirmed her safe descent in a statement to Dawn.
Dr Sheikh shared that her passion for mountaineering began during a trek to the K2 base camp in 2022, followed by successful ascents of Spantik and other notable peaks in Pakistan.
In a statement, Mr Haidri expressed immense pride in Dr Sheikh’s achievement: “We are delighted to announce that Dr Shehla Sheikh has successfully summited Mount Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, standing at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet).”
He emphasised that Dr Sheikh’s success highlights the increasing global presence of Pakistani mountaineers, particularly women. “As both a physician and an adventurer, Dr Sheikh continues to inspire with her dual dedication to science and exploration,” he said.
These dual summits mark a significant milestone in Pakistan’s mountaineering history and serve as powerful motivation for aspiring climbers across the nation.
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