Bibi Sultana Nasab from Shimshal Valley, Hunza, has made history by becoming the third Pakistani woman to summit K2, the world’s second-highest mountain. Standing at 8,611 meters, K2 has long been one of the most challenging peaks to conquer, and Nasab’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Pakistani mountaineering.
On Monday morning, Nasab reached the summit alongside renowned climber Sirbaz Khan. The ascent was part of Pakistan’s first all-woman expedition team, which also included Anum Uzair from Lahore, Shama Baqir from Shimshal, Afzoom from Gulmit, and sisters Siddiqa Hanif and Amina Hanif from Ghanche. Although Uzair chose to summit Broad Peak (8,051 meters) separately on Saturday, the rest of the team decided not to pursue K2’s summit.
Among the other climbers who reached the peak were Abdul Joshi and Faryad Karim from Shimshal; Sherzad Karim and Ejaz Karim from Aliabad; and Ali Muhammad Sadpara, Muhammad Ali Sadpara, and Muhammad Younus from Skardu. International climbers included Paula Birgitta Strengell from Finland, Yuri Kruglov from Russia, Mahmoud Hashemisougheh, Farnaz Dyanatmoghadam, and Saeid Mirzaei from Iran, Alessandra Kate Pepper from Australia, Garrett Christian Madison, Kimberly Siloway, Fleischman Mathew, Lieber Benjamin Edward, and Rebecca Long from the USA, Katharina Anna Ott from Germany, Stephane Millete Mayer from Canada, Tinn Ott from Estonia, and Javier Claudio Beiza from Argentina. Saeid Mirzaei notably ascended without supplemental oxygen.
From Nepal, the summit team included Chhepal Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa, Mingtemba Sherpa, Chhiring Bhote, Tenzi Sherpa, Mingdorchi Sherpa, Dawa Sherpa, Tenji Dawa Sherpa, and Dorchi Sherpa.
Unprecedented Rescue Mission on K2
In a separate and historic effort, a rescue mission is underway to retrieve the body of Mohammad Hassan Shigri, who died at the bottleneck of K2 at 8,200 meters last year. This mission marks the first attempt of its kind from this altitude, a feat described by renowned mountaineer Naila Kiani as unprecedented.
Kiani and her team—comprising Dilawar Sadpara, Akbar Hussein Sadpara, Zakir Hussein Sadpara, Mohammed Murad Sadpara, and Ali Mohammed Sadpara—are currently at Camp 4, preparing to descend to Camp 3 with Shigri’s body. The mission highlights the advanced skills of high-altitude climbers and emphasizes the importance of mountaineering education and safety.
Kiani has made a heartfelt appeal for financial support from corporates and individuals to cover the costs of the rescue mission, including climbers’ salaries and logistical expenses. She has also requested support from FCNA for helicopter evacuation if the mission succeeds, aiming to minimize risks to the rescuers.
Kiani’s appeal underscores the bravery and dedication of the team undertaking this risky mission. “No matter the outcome, we should be proud of this team for their extraordinary efforts,” Kiani said, expressing both her hope and nervousness about the mission.
Conclusion
Bibi Sultana Nasab’s historic ascent of K2 and the ongoing rescue mission represent significant moments in the world of mountaineering. Nasab’s achievement adds to Pakistan’s growing reputation in high-altitude climbing, while the rescue mission highlights the risks and challenges faced by climbers and the importance of supporting such daring and humanitarian efforts.
