Pakistani climber Naila Kiani set to break world record

Dubai-based mountaineer becomes first Pakistani woman to summit 12 mountains above 8,000 meters, closing in on global climbing record

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani has reached the summit of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third-highest mountain, marking a historic milestone in her climbing career and in Pakistan’s mountaineering history.

Kiani reached the 8,586-meter (28,169-foot) summit of Kanchenjunga — which straddles the border of Nepal and India’s Sikkim state — early Friday morning, according to Imagine Nepal, the expedition operator.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed the summit, noting that Kiani is now the first Pakistani woman to scale 12 of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters.

“This is more than a personal achievement — it’s a national milestone,” the Alpine Club said in a statement.

“With only two peaks remaining, Naila is on the verge of joining a global elite of just 17 women to have completed all 14 eight-thousanders.”

The final summit push began around 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and continued through a challenging night of heavy snow and sub-zero temperatures.

Kiani reached the peak at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time on Friday, carrying a Pakistani flag with her to the summit.

“Despite the conditions, she reached the summit safely, driven by unshakable determination and the support of a nation behind her,” the Alpine Club noted.

Speaking during her descent, Kiani said: “This summit is not just a personal milestone — it’s a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: you are stronger than you think.”

Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club, added: “This is a symbol of empowerment for women in sports, a beacon of hope for Pakistan, and a proud moment for mountaineering communities everywhere.”

Kiani’s record has grown steadily since she began her climbing career in earnest in recent years.

Her summits include Mount Everest (8,849m), K2 (8,611m), Lhotse (8,516m), Nanga Parbat (8,125m), Makalu (8,485m), Manaslu (8,156m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Annapurna (8,091m), Broad Peak (8,047m), Gasherbrum I (8,068m), and Gasherbrum II (8,035m).

In August 2022, she became the first Pakistani mother to summit K2, considered one of the world’s most dangerous climbs.

Beyond her mountaineering achievements, Kiani is a banker by profession.

She resides in the United Arab Emirates and studied at the University of London.

She has worked as an Associate Vice President at HSBC, one of the world’s largest banking institutions.

With just two peaks remaining, her journey toward completing the full set of 8,000-meter summits is drawing global attention — not just for her personal strength, but for what she represents.