Just two years ago, Naila Kiani embarked on a journey that transformed her life. She became the first Pakistani woman to conquer Gasherbrum II, a towering peak standing at 8,035 meters. What started as an experiment soon ignited her passion for mountaineering, and there was no turning back. She left the desks of bank and went towards summits.

Though Naila had always been athletic, being a mountaineer wasn’t initially in her sights. Her spark was ignited during a trek to the K2 basecamp, where she encountered climbers scaling mountains. Curiosity piqued, she decided to challenge herself, selecting Gasherbrum II as her starting point. Against the odds, she reached the summit, propelling her to conquer peak after peak.

Since her triumphant Gasherbrum II ascent, Naila’s achievements include conquering K2, Gasherbrum I, Annapurna, Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nanga Parbat, and Broad Peak. She stands as the first Pakistani woman to summit six out of the eight peaks, solidifying her status as the country’s most successful female mountaineer.

The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Balancing her passion with being a mother to her two young daughters has been tough, yet Naila’s determination prevails. When she’s navigating treacherous paths, thoughts of her daughters become her wellspring of strength.

Formerly a banker in Dubai, Naila has etched her name in Pakistan’s mountaineering history. She’s the first Pakistani woman to conquer all five 8-thousanders, peaks towering over 8,000 meters. Her tally of eight such climbs makes her the sole Pakistani woman to achieve this feat. Just recently, she scaled Nanga Parbat and Broad Peak, sealing her accomplishment of conquering all five highest peaks in Pakistan.

While celebrating her achievements, Naila underscores the need for better support and infrastructure for Pakistani mountaineers. She calls for enhanced public sector backing and improved rescue facilities to promote mountaineering in the country.

Naila’s journey continues with determination. She aims to scale all 14 peaks of over 8,000 meters, aiming high and setting a powerful example for her daughters. Her message to budding female mountaineers echoes her philosophy: never give up on your goals, and there’s no obstacle that can’t be overcome. With each climb, Naila shows that the sky’s the limit, and everything is attainable with persistence and passion