Naila Kiani - A Prominent Mountaineer and National Goodwill Ambassador for Girl's Education
Posted 1 year ago
Islamabd
May 30, 2024
The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training has appointed Ms. Naila Kiani, Pakistan's foremost female high-altitude mountaineer, as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education. This appointment recognizes her extraordinary achievements in mountaineering and her unwavering dedication to the cause of girls' education across Pakistan.
A Trailblazer in Mountaineering
Naila Kiani's mountaineering feats are nothing short of extraordinary. She is the first Pakistani woman and the third Pakistani overall to have summited 11 of the world's 14 highest peaks above 8,000 meters. Her achievements include being the first Pakistani woman to conquer an 8,000-meter mountain within Pakistan and her historic summits of Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I (G-I), Gasherbrum II (G-II), Lhotse, Manaslu, Broad Peak, Annapurna, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
In 2023, she distinguished herself among the global mountaineering elite by climbing multiple (seven) peaks above 8,000 meters in less than six months. This accomplishment places her among only ten mountaineers worldwide and highlights her as the fastest Pakistani, regardless of gender, to have climbed all eleven 8,000-meter peaks in under three years. Kiani's achievements have rightly earned her the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, making her the first female athlete in Pakistan to receive this prestigious civilian honor.
Championing Girls' Education
Naila Kiani's ascent to the role of National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education is a natural extension of her personal and professional ethos. As an aerospace engineer and a banker, she understands firsthand the transformative power of education. Her new role will see her championing girls' education, a cause she believes is pivotal for women's empowerment and the nation's progress.
In her advocacy, Kiani aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of girls' education, support governmental initiatives to enhance educational opportunities and inspire young girls across Pakistan to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.
A Personal Commitment to Education
Kiani's statement upon her appointment resonates with her deep commitment to the cause: "I am honored to be appointed as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Girls' Education. Education is the only route to women's empowerment and success in our country. I am committed to using my platform to support and advocate for educational initiatives that ensure every girl in Pakistan has access to quality education."
