ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s education ministry has appointed prominent mountaineer Naila Kiani as its goodwill ambassador for girls’ education.
According to the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Dubai-based Kiani is the first Pakistani woman and the third climber from the country to summit 11 of the world’s 14 highest peaks. She is also the first Pakistani woman to summit Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I (G-I), Gasherbrum II (G-II), Lhotse, Manaslu, Broad Peak, Annapurna, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Earlier this month, Kiani became the first Pakistani woman to summit Mount Makalu in Nepal, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, standing at 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) high.
Pakistan’s government had awarded Kiani the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, the highest civilian honor in the country, making her the only Pakistani woman to receive the award so far.
“I am honored to be appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls’ Education,” Kiani was quoted as saying by the APP.
“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,” she added.
