Ascent to the top

Naila Kiani’s recent ascent of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world, marks a significant milestone in Pakistani mountaineering and women’s achievement. Scaling the formidable 8,485-metre summit, she becomes the first woman from Pakistan to conquer 11 peaks exceeding 8,000 metres, a feat emblematic of exceptional skill, determination and resilience amidst the rough Himalayan terrain.

Situated in Nepal’s Mahalangur range, southeast of Mount Everest, Mount Makalu poses a considerable challenge even to seasoned climbers. Kiani’s historic accomplishment not only defies conventional gender norms but also serves as a potent source of inspiration for aspiring mountaineers, particularly women, within and beyond Pakistan. In scaling Mount Makalu, Naila Kiani not only reached a personal pinnacle but has also opened vistas of possibility for Pakistan’s mountaineering and tourism sectors. Our mountainous landscape, diverse and breathtaking, holds promise for adventure and sporting tourism on a global scale. However, to fully harness this potential, significant investments in infrastructure, training and promotional endeavours are imperative to facilitate both local and international climbers. Elevating athletes like Naila Kiani to ambassadors of the mountaineering industry and leveraging their influence and expertise to attract attention can be a transformative step in promoting our tourism sector. These mountaineers can play a crucial role in advocating for investments and can engage with international audiences, thereby driving tourism growth.

In celebrating Naila’s remarkable achievement, the government and tourism industry must recognise the transformative power of mountaineering in shaping Pakistan’s future. Naila’s ascent of Mount Makalu not only inspires future generations of climbers but also opens up immense opportunities for future growth.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2024.

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