Pakistani mountaineer Uzma Yousaf set to scale Broad Peak

Says she did not have much training when she climbed 7,027m Spantik Peak last year but now she is fully prepared

ISLAMABAD: In what can best be described as a daring feat, intrepid Pakistani mountaineer, Uzma Yousaf will embark on her journey to scale one of the highest peaks of the world the 8,047m Broad Peak from June 17.

Addressing a press conference at F-9 Park, she said she did not have that much training when she climbed 7027m Spantik Peak last year but now she was fully prepared for the Broad Peak.

“Managing a home, being a housewife, and then thinking about climbing mountains are two different things for me, but thanks to Allah Almighty I have managed both of them well," she said.

She said she was representing Pakistani women and if men supported women then nothing was difficult to conquer in the world. "Every mountain has its own story and hopefully by the grace of Allah Almighty I will do it," she said.



Responding to a question, she said the total expenditure on the expedition would be Rs3.5 million which the team would manage on their own."The expedition will last for 40 to 45 days," she said.

Ambassador of Italy in Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said when he first met Uzma and she told her story, it was incredible. "She is just like a role model not only for Pakistani women but for our women too," he said and added Uzma was an example for everybody.

The ambassador also gave her equipment for the summit. Mountaineer Abdul Jabbar Bhatti said no adventurous sport was safe but it could be made safe by using proper equipment and precautions.

"Uzma has proved herself and now she's eyeing for the Broad Peak. I know her motivation and passion. Good luck Uzma," he said. Tourism Corporation Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Managing Director Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said: "I feel proud that Uzma belongs to K-P. We are putting in all our efforts for the promotion of tourism, sports and culture in K-P," he said and also announced a package for mountaineers who wanted to come to K-P for an expedition.

Uzma's husband Yousaf and sons wished her all the best for the expedition. At the end, shields were given to the ambassador, Uzma and other officials.  

Published in The Express Tribune, June 10^th, 2018.