When the dawn broke on May 24, 2025, at Kanchenjunga’s unforgiving summit, Pakistan’s green and white flag fluttered in the Himalayan wind. It was not just another feat of mountaineering; it was history in the making. Naila Kiani, the nation’s most accomplished female climber, had just summited the world’s third-highest mountain, standing tall at 8,586 meters.

With this, she became the first Pakistani woman to conquer 12 of the world’s 14 eight-thousanders - an elite club of mountains that test not just physical endurance but mental and emotional fortitude. But Naila’s story is not just about heights scaled - it is about barriers broken, dreams pursued, and a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and national pride.

The making of a mountaineer

Naila Kiani is far from the stereotypical image of a high-altitude climber. She is an aerospace engineer, an investment banker, an IT entrepreneur - and a mother of two. Born and raised in Pakistan, she relocated to the UAE but never let go of her connection with the homeland or her mountain dreams.

Her climbing journey began in 2021 with Gasherbrum II. In less than four years, she has climbed 12 of the 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, including the savage K2, Everest, Lhotse, Annapurna, Makalu, and the latest addition, Kanchenjunga. Such a rapid and determined rise in a male-dominated sport speaks volumes of her discipline and courage.

More than mountains:
A mission of meaning

While her summits are groundbreaking, what sets Naila apart is her purpose. Her campaigns for porter rights, mountain cleanups, and environmental preservation reflect a deep-rooted ethos of responsible climbing. Following the tragic death of Pakistani porter Muhammad Hassan Shigri on K2, Naila led calls for safety reforms and greater recognition of local support staff who risk their lives in every expedition.

She also embodies empowerment. “This summit is not just a personal milestone,” she shared after conquering Kanchenjunga, “It’s a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: you are stronger than you think.”

Her voice resonates especially in a society where opportunities for women are often limited. Through her grit and success, she has emerged as a beacon of hope and ambition.

The power behind the climb

No great achievement is accomplished in isolation. Behind Naila’s success stands the unwavering support of the BARD Foundation - a visionary philanthropic body that empowers individuals to achieve excellence.

Mehreen Dawood, a Member of the Board of Governors at BARD, summed it up eloquently. “Naila represents the spirit we aim to nurture -resilience, courage, and the dedicated pursuit of excellence. Her summits are not just personal victories; they are national milestones.” Abdul Razak Dawood, President of BARD Foundation, added: “What Naila has achieved is nothing short of historic. Her determination, integrity, and vision embody the values we stand for.”

The Everest motivation

After her K2 summit, it was Dr Asma Afzal Shami, then Chairperson of the Pakistan Golf Federation’s Women Wing, who motivated Naila to attempt Mount Everest. “You’ve climbed K2, now go climb Everest,” she had urged. That push was transformative.

Dr. Shami’s mentorship and encouragement came at a pivotal moment, helping Naila overcome the internal and external barriers to scaling the world’s tallest mountain. The successful ascent of Everest further solidified Naila’s reputation as a climber of global standing.

Such backings of BARD Foundation and Dr Asma Shami have not only facilitated her expeditions but has elevated her profile as a national hero, earning her the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian honor in Pakistan.

A legacy in the making

With just Shishapangma and Dhaulagiri remaining, Naila is poised to join a hyper-exclusive circle of women who have climbed all 14 eight-thousanders. As of now, only 17 women in the world have achieved this feat.

But beyond statistics lies a legacy - of showing the world what Pakistani women are capable of. Of redefining motherhood, ambition, and patriotism. Of becoming a role model not only for young girls in Skardu or Karachi but for dreamers everywhere.

Her story also adds a crucial chapter to Pakistan’s mountaineering history. Previously, only two male climbers, Shehroze Kashif and Sirbaz Khan, had summited all 14 eight-thousanders. Naila is now on the cusp of not only joining them but possibly becoming the fastest Pakistani to complete this legendary list.

The road ahead

What lies next for Naila Kiani? With only two peaks left, the mountaineering world watches in anticipation. But even after completing the 14-peak challenge, her journey will continue - through advocacy, mentorship, and national representation. Whether she’s encouraging young climbers, pushing for better infrastructure in Pakistan’s climbing scene, or representing the country on global platforms, Naila’s summit is far from the end. It’s a new beginning.

In her own words

“I am proud and I am grateful, but the journey is far from over. Pakistan, this is for you.” As Naila stands atop mountain after mountain, she is not just lifting the national flag but also lifting the hopes of a generation.

A nation’s pride,
a world-class climber

Naila Kiani’s journey is a story of vision meeting purpose, of ambition met with opportunity. Her legacy is already etched in the snow of 12 great peaks, and soon, it will be immortalized across all 14. In a time when heroes are hard to find, Naila reminds us that sometimes, they wear harnesses, carry ice axes, and stare down the sky - not just to conquer it, but to bring it home. Pakistan Zindabad!