Pakistan’s Sultana Nasab, a member of the first all-women’s expedition team, has made history by becoming only the third Pakistani woman to successfully summit K2, the world’s second-highest mountain.
Hailing from Upper Hunza Gojal, Sultana was the sole female member of her expedition to reach the summit, breaking barriers and inspiring the nation.
K2, standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) on the Pakistan-China border, is 238 meters shorter than Everest but is considered more technically challenging, earning it the nickname “Savage Mountain.” The expedition team, led by renowned mountaineer Sirbaz Khan, included seven other climbers who also reached the summit. However, Sultana’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as a testament to her determination and resilience.
Senior journalist from Gilgit Baltistan Abdul Rehman Bukhari remarked, “Sultana’s summit of K2 marks a historic moment for Pakistan, highlighting the country’s potential in producing world-class mountaineers.”
He added that her accomplishment is a source of national pride and a beacon of hope for aspiring female climbers. “Sultana’s achievement is a tribute to women’s empowerment and a testament to the fact that with determination and hard work, women can achieve anything they set their minds to,” Bukhari continued.
He believes her success will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of mountaineers, both men and women. The expedition was organized by the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) and led by Sirbaz Khan, who has summited 13 eight-thousanders globally, 11 without supplemental oxygen. This was his third successful summit of K2.
The team of climbers included Sirbaz Khan (team leader), Abdul Joshi, Ejaz Karim, Faryad, Sherzad Karim, Ali Muhammad Sarpara, Muhammad Ali Sarpara, and Sultana Nasab, making a significant mark in the field of mountaineering and women empowerment.
