Mountaineer Naila Kiani named goodwill ambassador for girls’ education
Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani holding up a Pakistani flag to celebrate after scaling the peak of Nanga Parbat which is known as "Killer Mountain" and second highest peak after K2 in Pakistan. (Photo courtesy: naila._.kiani)
Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s leading female high-altitude mountaineer, has been appointed as the Girls' Education National Goodwill Ambassador by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training.
Renowned for her remarkable mountaineering achievements, Kiani now aims to champion the cause of girls’ education across Pakistan, supporting initiatives by federal and provincial governments.
Kiani holds an unparalleled record in mountaineering. She is the first Pakistani woman, and the third Pakistani overall, to have scaled 11 of the world's 14 highest peaks above 8,000 metres.
She also became the first Pakistani woman to climb an 8,000-metre peak in Pakistan and has successfully summited Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, Lhotse, Manaslu, Broad Peak, Annapurna, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Read more: Naila becomes first Pakistani woman to summit country's 8000m peaks
In 2023, Kiani joined an elite group of ten global mountaineers, and the only Pakistani, to have climbed seven peaks above 8,000 metres within six months.
She is the fastest Pakistani, irrespective of gender, to have ascended all eleven 8,000-metre peaks in under three years. Kiani has also been awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, the highest civilian honour bestowed upon any female athlete in Pakistan.
As an advocate for girls' education, Kiani's new role as National Goodwill Ambassador is a testament to her dedication to empowering women through education.
Also read: Naila becomes first Pakistani woman to summit 11 8,000m peaks
An aerospace engineer and banker by profession, she believes that education is fundamental to women's empowerment. In her ambassadorial role, Kiani will work to raise awareness about the importance of girls' education and support initiatives to enhance educational opportunities for girls.
Upon her appointment, Kiani expressed her gratitude and commitment, stating, "I am honoured to be appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education. Education is the only route to women's empowerment and success for our country. I am committed to using my platform to support and advocate for educational initiatives that ensure every girl in Pakistan has access to quality education."