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Pakistan’s climbers are taking the nation to the top of the world
From Antarctica to Annapurna; a new generation of Pakistani mountaineers is rewriting history, breaking records, and proving that greatness knows no altitude
- PUBLISHED: Thu 14 Aug 2025, 11:00 AM
On the jagged, wind-ravaged ridges of Earth’s highest peaks, where oxygen is scarce and survival is never guaranteed, a quiet revolution is unfolding, led by Pakistanis. Once seen as the playground of foreign climbers and elite alpine nations, the world of high-altitude mountaineering is now being shaped by young Pakistani trailblazers who are not only challenging the extremes of nature, but also long-held narratives about what’s possible.
As the country marks independence, the ascent of four climbers - Asad Ali Memon, Sirbaz Khan, Sajid Ali Sadpara, and Naila Kiani - speak to a deeper national story: of resilience, reinvention, and reaching heights once thought unimaginable.
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Asad Ali Memon: From flatlands to frozen frontiers
Asad Ali Memon’s journey from the flat, sun-scorched plains of Larkana to the towering summits of the world is a remarkable tale of determination, courage, and breaking barriers. Hailing from a region with no mountains, limited resources, and a climate that seems worlds apart from the icy peaks he now conquers, Asad’s story is one of defying odds and challenging deep-rooted myths. In 2019, he made the bold decision to turn his passion for mountaineering into a full-time pursuit. With no prior international climbing experience and minimal support, he embarked on his first expedition to Mount Elbrus in Russia, the highest peak in Europe. Against all expectations, he became the youngest Pakistani to stand atop this summit, a moment that fueled his resolve and set him on a path of continuous achievement.
“Mountains don’t let you rush,” Asad reflects thoughtfully while talking to Khaleej Times. “They demand patience, respect, and a willingness to face failure before success.” His steady progression through the years culminated in a landmark achievement in 2023 when he summited Mount Everest, becoming the first Pakistani from Sindh and only the tenth Pakistani overall to do so. For Asad, reaching Everest’s summit was more than a personal victory, it was a powerful message that no one’s background or circumstances should define their potential.
The challenges escalated further when he tackled Antarctica’s Vinson Massif, the coldest peak on earth. “Preparing for Vinson was unlike anything I’d faced before,” he recalls. “Coming from the hottest part of Pakistan, I had to overcome not only the brutal cold but also mental battles. My gear was second-hand, and I had to rely heavily on breathing techniques and sheer willpower.” Despite the harsh conditions, Asad’s unwavering determination saw him through. “I told myself I didn’t come this far to quit. Vinson was a test of everything I had learned, and I passed with frost and pride.”
As he now looks ahead to completing the final climb of the Seven Summits, the highest peak of Oceania, Asad’s vision transcends personal glory. “This journey is no longer just about me,” he shares. “I want young people from Larkana, or any part of Pakistan where privilege is scarce, to believe that the world is theirs to explore. Mountains are not just for those born in the hills; they’re for anyone with the courage to climb.”
Asad Ali Memon’s story is a beacon of hope and perseverance, reminding us all that barriers are often illusions, the greatest limits exist only in our minds.
Sirbaz Khan: The oxygen-free elite
Sirbaz Khan has etched his name in history as the first Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s peaks above 8,000 meters without supplementary oxygen — an extraordinary feat officially confirmed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan. The 34-year-old climber from Hunza Valley in Gilgit-Baltistan completed this monumental journey after conquering Nepal’s 8,586-meter Kangchenjunga, the world’s third-highest peak, in a triumphant ascent that marks the culmination of a remarkable career.
Since beginning his climbing journey in 2016, Sirbaz has steadily pushed the boundaries of Pakistani mountaineering. He made history in 2019 by becoming the first Pakistani to summit Mount Lhotse without oxygen support and has since stood atop iconic peaks including Nanga Parbat, K2, Broad Peak, Annapurna, Gasherbrum II, and Everest. In October 2024, he reached the summit of Shishapangma in Tibet, sealing his place among the elite few worldwide who have conquered every “eight-thousander” unaided by bottled oxygen. Sirbaz’s achievement is a testament to relentless determination, skill, and the spirit of adventure thriving in Pakistan’s mountainous north.
Sajid Ali Sadpara: Legacy at altitude
Carrying the legacy of his legendary father Muhammad Ali Sadpara, who tragically lost his life on K2 in 2021, Sajid Ali Sadpara is not just walking in his father’s footsteps, he’s carving a path of his own.
In spring 2025, Sajid achieved a major milestone by summiting Dhaulagiri (8,167m) in Nepal without supplemental oxygen or porters, becoming the first to summit the peak that season. It marked his ninth 8,000-metre peak, all climbed solo and without oxygen. “Climbing is not just my profession, it’s my inheritance,” he said. “Every step I take is for my father, for the country, and for the belief that Pakistani climbers belong on the global stage.”
At just 29, Sajid is now positioned to become the youngest Pakistani to complete all 14 of the world’s highest peaks without bottled oxygen, a mission he continues with humility and purpose.
The summit of national pride
What binds these climbers together isn’t just geography or grit, it’s their shared commitment to elevating Pakistan’s global identity. Whether it’s the determination of Asad in Antarctica, the discipline of Sirbaz at altitude, the legacy-driven mission of Sajid, or the ceiling-breaking success of Naila, each story speaks to a deeper narrative of progress. As Asad Ali Memon puts it: “The biggest myth I’ve broken is that you need to be born in the mountains to climb them. You don’t. You need heart. You need hunger. And you need to remember that nothing, not even the sky, is the limit.”
This Independence Day, these climbers don’t just remind us of the power of dreams, they prove that Pakistan is not just climbing, it’s soaring.
Sana Eqbal is a journalist and media strategist with over a decade of experience at the intersection of media, business and emerging technologies. She specialises in corporate communications, digital storytelling, public relations and AI-powered content strategy.