What's happened
On May 18, 2025, Pakistani mountaineer Sirbaz Khan summited Mount Kangchenjunga, completing all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. This achievement marks him as the first Pakistani to accomplish this feat, celebrating a decade of high-altitude climbing and inspiring future climbers in Pakistan.
What's behind the headline?
Significance of Sirbaz Khan's Achievement
- Historical Context: Sirbaz Khan's successful summit of Kangchenjunga not only highlights his personal achievements but also elevates Pakistan's status in the global mountaineering community.
- Inspiration for Future Generations: His journey serves as a beacon for aspiring climbers in Pakistan, showcasing that with determination and skill, extraordinary feats are possible.
- Cultural Impact: This accomplishment fosters national pride and unity, as tributes pour in from various sectors of society, recognizing Khan as a national hero.
- Challenges in Mountaineering: Climbing at such altitudes without supplemental oxygen is perilous, emphasizing the extreme risks involved in high-altitude climbing and the need for rigorous training and preparation.
Sirbaz's achievement will likely inspire a new wave of climbers in Pakistan, encouraging them to pursue their dreams in mountaineering and beyond.
What the papers say
According to Ashfaq Ahmed from Gulf News, Sirbaz Khan's ascent of Kangchenjunga at 5 AM local time on May 18, 2025, marks a historic milestone for Pakistan. The Alpine Club of Pakistan's Secretary, Karrar Haidri, praised Khan's accomplishment, stating, "He has made the entire nation proud." Meanwhile, tributes from fellow climbers and political leaders underscore the significance of this achievement in uplifting Pakistan's image in the global mountaineering arena.
In contrast, the recent tragic events on Everest, including the deaths of climbers like Philipp Santiago II, highlight the dangers associated with high-altitude climbing, as reported by AP News. This juxtaposition of triumph and tragedy in the mountaineering community emphasizes the risks involved and the resilience required to succeed in such endeavors.
How we got here
Sirbaz Khan's journey began in 2016, focusing on climbing the world's highest peaks without supplemental oxygen. His recent ascent of Kangchenjunga is a culmination of years of dedication and skill, following the legacy of his late mentor, Muhammad Ali Sadpara.
Go deeper
- What challenges did Sirbaz Khan face during his climbs?
- How has this achievement impacted Pakistan's mountaineering community?
- What are the other eight-thousanders Khan has climbed?
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Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a country in South Asia. It is mainly in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It is the 49th largest country by population and 93rd largest country by area.
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