Sports have always been crucial for developing your physical strength and assisting you in overcoming obstacles that life throws your way. In a country like Pakistan, where people remain oblivious to the importance of sports, Habib University continues to be an institution that develops the future innovators and leaders who are also ardent sports enthusiasts. To inspire students and honor notable heroes of Pakistan, Habib University organized an event honoring boxing trained Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s first female mountaineer who scaled three peaks higher than 8,000 meters including K2 in partnership with BARD Foundation. Mr. Shamez Mukhi, the Director of student life at Habib University facilitated the discussion.
“I wanted to show the beauty of Pakistan to the rest of the world,” said Naila Kiani as she narrated her daunting yet inspiring journey as a mountaineer in Pakistan.
While talking about the challenges she faced when she decided to embark on her way to summit K2, the second highest peak in the world, Kiani said, “I had to spend a considerable amount of time on training myself for mountain climbing, and had to look after my little daughter as well,” referring towards the dual role that she had to dedicate herself to while also navigating the ups and downs of parenthood.
“I went through some really tough times, but without these hardships, I would never have the strength to climb the highest peak of Pakistan,”
She further described how being a woman, a mother, and someone from a humble background didn’t stop her from pursuing the aim of climbing the three highest peaks, and that, too, within a year. “You too can do anything you want to if I, a girl from Rawalpindi, can climb the highest peaks of Pakistan, something I once believed to be impossible. You simply need to tap into your inner strength.”
Please watch the complete session video to find out more about banker turned mountaineer, Naila Kiani.
President Wasif A. Rizvi while addressing the audience during the session.
In reference to Ali Sadpara’s demise, the only Pakistani mountaineer to have scaled eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, Ms. Kiani stated, “My guide passed away barely three weeks before my expedition, and this was the moment when I was told by multiple individuals to critically consider my decision to summit K2.” “There always exists the fear of death,” she continued, “since we see individuals die before our eyes throughout our days of mountain climbing.”
“A person who has come from an ordinary background and doing extraordinary things, is totally remarkable.”
But Naila’s courage remained undeterred. “I went through some really tough times, but without these hardships, I would never have the strength to climb the highest peak of Pakistan,” stated Ms. Kiani while she showcased the determination of a person who has overcome all the obstacles that life could throw her way.
Also attending the session were, Shahid Abdullah, Founder of Arshad Shahid Abdullah Pvt Ltd.; Noor Jehan Bilgrami, a multidisciplinary artist and the owner of Koel Gallery; Yasmeen Jaffer, a staunch supporter of Habib University.
President BARD Foundation, Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood while talking about the absolute commitment that Naila Kiani showed stated, “A person who has come from an ordinary background and doing extraordinary things, is totally remarkable.”
President BARD Foundation, Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood
The session concluded with closing remarks by the Habib’s President, Mr. Wasif A. Rizvi. Drawing the similarities between Naila’s and Habib’s journey, Mr. Rizvi said, “The challenge that we gave ourselves was how can we establish the world class yet the most generous higher education institution?” And Habib University proudly stands as the most generous institution in Pakistan with the best academic experience which remains unprecedented.
