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
Afghans rally against Pakistan and civilian casualties
- UN says a week of border fighting killed dozens of Afghan civilians, displaced over thousands
- Fighting broke out along the Afghan border after Pakistan launched air strikes targeting militants
GARDEZ, Afghanistan: Decorating their soldiers with colorful garlands, hundreds of Afghans rallied in border provinces to decry Pakistan killing civilians and to show support for their troops battling at the frontier.
A week of border fighting between the two neighbors has killed dozens of Afghan civilians and displaced tens of thousands, according to UN figures.
In Gardez, the capital of eastern Paktia province, residents gathered while some waved the white flag of the Taliban government.
“Today we’re out in central Paktia, Gardez, against the cruel attacks of Pakistan on Afghan civilians,” said Ghamay, a demonstrator who only gave one name.
“We’re out here to defend our land,” he added.
At least 42 civilians have been killed and 104 wounded since February 26, including children, the UN mission in Afghanistan reported.
Islamabad is yet to comment on civilian casualties and said its troops have killed more than 430 Afghan soldiers.
Afghanistan estimated Pakistani fatalities among troops at around 150. Casualty claims from both sides are difficult to verify independently.
Fighting erupted with an Afghan border offensive in retaliation for earlier Pakistani air strikes, which Islamabad said were targeting militants.
A rally was also held in the Gurbuz district of Khost province, which has been hit by fighting.
“Today’s protest is not just for a show, we’re out for those 17 martyrs in Kunar including women, children and old people,” said protester Obaidullah Gurbaz.
“You can see the soldiers standing behind us for the past seven, eight days. They are hungry and thirsty but defending the country strongly,” the 70-year-old added.
Afghanistan’s defense ministry said more than 25 soldiers have been killed.
FIGHTING HITS FOOD AID
Clashes at the border have also displaced nearly 66,000 Afghans, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.
At least one of the UN agency’s centers in Nangarhar province “sustained significant collateral damage,” the IOM said.
As well as putting a halt to humanitarian support for Afghans returning from Pakistan, the fighting has also suspended emergency food aid.
About 160,000 people have been affected by the stoppage, the World Food Programme said, in a country already facing a hunger crisis.
One resident in Nangarhar said the UN agency “used to help us a lot,” but now he has cut the amount of bread he eats.
“We search around, sometimes with a full stomach and sometimes with half,” said Farhad, who only gave one name.
“Last night I went to my neighbors and relatives to borrow 1,000 Afghanis ($16) but nobody gave it to me.”
