Pakistani climbers conquer Everest and Kanchenjunga

GILGIT: Pakistani climbers continue to elevate their presence on the global mountaineering stage as Dr Shehla Sheikh summited Kanchenjunga, while Wajidullah Nagri reached the summit of Mount Everest.

US-based Pakistani mountaineer Dr Shehla Sheikh successfully summited Mount Kanchenjunga — the third-highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,586 meters (28,169 feet) above sea level — on Monday.

Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), congratulated Dr Shehla on this historic achievement, describing it as a proud moment not only for her but for the entire Pakistani mountaineering community.

Kanchenjunga is renowned for its technical difficulty, harsh weather conditions, and remote location, making it one of the most challenging 8,000-meter peaks to climb.

He noted that Dr. Shehla’s ascent exemplifies her unwavering courage, endurance, and determination, while also highlighting the growing presence and contributions of Pakistani climbers — especially women — on the global mountaineering stage.

Also read: Indian, Romanian climbers die on Lhotse peak in Nepal

“As a physician and an adventurer, Dr. Shehla Sheikh continues to inspire through her dual commitment to science and exploration. Her achievement is a testament to what perseverance and passion can accomplish,” he added.

Wajidullah Nagri Scales Mount Everest

Meanwhile, Wajidullah Nagri from the Nagar district of Gilgit-Baltistan successfully summited the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest, on Tuesday.

His expedition organizer, Pioneer Adventure, announced that Nagri reached the summit of the 8,849-meter (29,032 feet) peak on Tuesday morning. “He reached the highest point on Earth with the strong and steady support of Ang Tashi Sherpa,” the tour organizer stated. With this achievement, he became only the 11th mountaineer from Pakistan to conquer Mount Everest.

Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, congratulated Nagri on this remarkable feat. “This achievement is a testament to courage, endurance, and the unbreakable human spirit. It is a proud moment for Pakistan and an inspiration to climbers everywhere,” he said in a statement.

The 45-year-old climber has previously summited K2 — the world’s second-highest mountain — as well as Nanga Parbat, known as the “Killer Mountain,” and Rakaposhi.

In September 2021, Wajidullah became the second Pakistani to climb Rakaposhi. Colonel Sher Khan was the first Pakistani to scale it in 1979. Rakaposhi is the world’s 27th highest and Pakistan’s 12th highest peak.