In a historic achievement, Pakistani mountaineer Sultana Bibi has successfully reached the summit of K2, the second highest mountain in the world. This morning, Sultana completed her ascent, becoming only the third woman from Pakistan to achieve this remarkable feat.
Sultana Bibi embarked on her journey from Skardu in June, leading a team of six female climbers from Pakistan. Alongside them, another team comprising Pakistani and Italian climbers joined forces for the daring expedition.
Guided by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Sirbaz Ali, Sultana braved the treacherous slopes of K2, famously known as the “savage mountain.” The peak’s formidable reputation is underscored by its death zone, notorious for its extreme danger, with a reported fatality rate of 23 deaths per 100 climbers.
Prior to Sultana’s triumph, Samina Baig and Niala Kiani had etched their names in history by scaling K2 in July 2022. Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman to conquer K2, was followed closely by Niala Kiani, marking a watershed moment for female climbers in Pakistan.
K2’s challenges include unpredictable weather, frequent avalanches, rock falls, and perilous routes, making every ascent a life-threatening endeavor. Sultana Bibi’s successful summit adds another chapter to Pakistan’s mountaineering legacy and inspires future generations of climbers worldwide.