KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: Pakistan’s Shehroze Kashif has become the youngest high-altitude climber from his country to scale all 14 of the world’s tallest peaks following his successful ascent of Shishapangma in Tibet, the Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed on Wednesday.
The 14 peaks, often referred to as the “eight-thousanders,” are over 8,000 meters high and are considered the ultimate test in mountain climbing.
The 22-year-old Pakistani mountaineer began his career at the age of 11 and summited Broad Peak in his own country, which stands at 8,047 meters, when he was barely 14.
“On October 9, 2024, at 3:30 am PST, Shehroze Kashif successfully reached the summit of Shishapangma (8,027 meters), completing his journey of climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks,” Karrar Haidri, the general secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, announced in a statement.
“This remarkable achievement makes him the youngest Pakistani to conquer these formidable summits,” he continued, adding: “Once again, Shehroze has proudly raised the Pakistani flag on one of the world’s highest peaks, marking a historic moment for him and the nation.”
Seven Summit Treks, a Nepalese tour company that arranged the expedition, also confirmed the achievement, listing Kashif in its list of summiteers.
“A team of international climbers and Sherpas (29 Total) from Seven Summit Treks reached the summit of Shisha Pangma today,” it said in a Facebook post. “This remarkable achievement marks a significant milestone for 12 climbers, completing their 14 Peaks challenge and entering the exclusive 8000ers club of mountaineers who have successfully climbed the world’s highest peaks.”
Speaking to Arab News, Salman Kashif, the father of the Pakistani mountaineer, said his family was celebrating the moment after his son successfully completed “Mission 14.”
“As a parent, Shehroze’s achievement is a huge, happy moment as today he has fulfilled his dream of summiting all 14 peaks above eight thousand meters,” he said over the phone.
“When he was stuck on Nanga Parbat last year, we thought he might give up climbing,” he continued. “However, his passion remained high since he had set himself a goal. That’s why he decided to climb the remaining peaks.”
Kashif’s father described his son as “a city boy who loved mountains” and started climbing at a young age.
“All of my family members were awake last night,” he added. “There is a celebratory atmosphere at our house now. People and relatives are visiting to congratulate us.”
He noted everyone at home was excited.
“We will warmly receive Shehroze and celebrate his achievement once he returns.”
Shehroze Kashif becomes youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s tallest peaks
https://arab.news/ytay7
Shehroze Kashif becomes youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s tallest peaks
- Kashif fulfilled his dream by summiting the 8,027-meter-high Shishapangma in Tibet on Wednesday
- The 22-year-old climbed Broad Peak in Pakistan, his first 8,000-meter mountain, when he was just 14
Pakistan nears $1.5 billion deal to supply weapons, jets to Sudan
- Deal may include drones, air defense systems and Karakoram-8 aircraft, with possible JF-17 fighters
- The sale is expected to bolster Sudan’s army in the ongoing civil war with the Rapid Support Forces
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is in the final phases of striking a $1.5-billion deal to supply weapons and jets to Sudan, a former top air force official and three sources said, promising a major boost for Sudan’s army, battling the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.
Their conflict has stoked the world’s worst humanitarian crisis for more than 2-1/2 years, drawing in myriad foreign interests, and threatening to fragment the strategic Red Sea country, a major gold producer.
The deal with Pakistan encompasses 10 Karakoram-8 light attack aircraft, more than 200 drones for scouting and kamikaze attacks, and advanced air defense systems, said two of the three sources with knowledge of the matter, who all sought anonymity.
It was a “done deal,” said Aamir Masood, a retired Pakistani air marshal who continues to be briefed on air force matters.
Besides the Karakoram-8 jets, it includes Super Mushshak training aircraft, and perhaps some coveted JF-17 fighters developed jointly with China and produced in Pakistan, he added, without giving figures or a delivery schedule.
Pakistan’s military and its defense ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A spokesman for Sudan’s army did not immediately respond to a message requesting comment.
Assistance from Pakistan, especially drones and jets, could help Sudan’s army regain the air supremacy it had toward the start of its war with the RSF, which has increasingly used drones to gain territory, eroding the army’s position.
PAKISTAN’S DEFENSE AMBITIONS
The deal is another feather in the cap for Pakistan’s growing defense sector, which has drawn growing interest and investment, particularly since its jets were deployed in a conflict with India last year.
Last month, Islamabad struck a weapons deal worth more than $4 billion with the Libyan National Army, officials said, for one of the South Asian nation’s largest arms sales, which includes JF-17 fighter jets and training aircraft.
Pakistan has also held talks with Bangladesh on a defense deal that could includes the Super Mushshak training jets and JF-17s, as ties improve ties with Dhaka.
The government sees Pakistan’s burgeoning industry as a catalyst to secure long-term economic stability.
Pakistan is now in a $7-billion IMF program, following a short-term deal to avert a sovereign default in 2023. It won IMF support after Saudi Arabia and other Gulf allies provided financial and deposit rollovers.
