Members of the K2 women’s expedition pose during training at the Sadpara Mountaineering School in Skardu—Photo by the writer
First All-Women Team to Attempt to Scale K2 Next Month
By Jamil Nagri
Gilgit: The first all-women expedition team will attempt to scale the world’s second-highest peak K2 (8,611 meters) next month.
Members of the expedition team completed their one-week climbing training at Sadpara Mountaineering School on Friday.
According to organizers, the six-member women's expedition team comprising Anum Uzair from Lahore, Shama Baqir and Bibi Sultana from Shimshal, Afzoom from Gulmit of Hunza and two sisters Siddiqa Hanif and Amina Hanif from Ghanche will hoist Pakistan’s flag on the K2.
The expedition has been organized by Force Command of Northern Areas (FCNA).
According to an FCNA statement, Pakistan’s challenging peaks offer immense opportunities for young women athletes, especially in mountaineering.
However, such talented individuals often face substantial barriers, primarily due to insufficient resources, which hinder their ability to showcase their potential.
In an empowering initiative, the FCNA is spearheading a significant effort to promote gender equality in this demanding sport.
Coinciding with the 70th anniversary of the first successful ascent of K2, the FCNA has committed to supporting young female mountaineers by providing them with essential resources and training to summit the mighty K-2.
The expedition will be led by renowned Pakistani climber Sirbaz Khan, who is the first Pakistani to summit 13 eight-thousand peaks in the world and 11 eight-thousand peaks without oxygen.
Talking to media, team member Shama Baqir said the women expedition team members are optimistic about conquering the world’s second-highest peak this summer.
She said despite having immense potential, women generally avoid taking part in mountaineering in Pakistan, but through this adventure “we will give a message that women can dare and excel in this field too and the women who take interest should take part in mountaineering”.
About the training at the Sadpara Mountaineering School in Skardu, she said: “We practised basic climbing, rock climbing, got training on ascent and descent on peaks and how to climb peaks with luggage.”
K2, standing at 8,611 meters, is famous for its sheer slopes, unpredictable weather conditions, and severe storms, making the treacherous climbing conditions on its slopes more challenging.
The Pakistan army is not only sponsoring the women’s expedition but also facilitating all preparations needed for the summit.
Another member of the expedition team, Anum Uzair, told media: “I am honoured to be a part of this historical event. Me and my team members are hopeful to open doors for other women and we will be approaching the summit with the thought that women can move mountains when they work together as a force, InshaAllah.” - Dawn
