Naila Kiani, a UAE-based Pakistani mountaineer and endurance athlete, has been awarded the prestigious Youth Excellence Award by the Mr. Shehbaz Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan in recognition of her extraordinary achievements in high-altitude mountaineering.
The award was presented during a ceremony on Tuesday evening in Islamabad, Pakistan honoring individuals who have made a significant impact in their respective fields.
As part of the ceremony, the Prime Minister also launched Spark Magazine, a new initiative under Pakistan’s youth program designed to highlight talent, foster innovation and inspire the next generation. Naila Kiani features on the front cover of the magazine’s inaugural edition under the title “Scaling Peaks and Defying Limits.”
Expressing her gratitude, Naila Kiani said: “Receiving the Youth Excellence Award and being featured on the cover of Spark Magazine is an immense honor. As a Pakistani athlete, I hope my journey inspires young dreamers to break barriers and chase their goals with passion and determination. I am proud to represent Pakistan on the world’s highest peaks and to be part of this incredible initiative that celebrates the country’s emerging talent.”
Naila Kiani has already summited 11 of the world’s 14 highest peaks, with her sights set on completing all of them this year – an achievement that would place her among the world’s elite mountaineers. Her relentless pursuit of excellence continues to inspire adventurers worldwide, proving that no summit is too high to conquer.
About Naila Kiani:
Naila Kiani is a UAE-based Pakistani high-altitude mountaineer, endurance athlete, and aerospace engineer, known for making history in the world of mountaineering. A mother of two and a former banker, she became the first Pakistani woman to summit six of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks, including K2, Everest, and Annapurna. To date, she has completed 11 of the 14 highest peaks in the world, with her sights set on completing the full list this year—a feat that would place her among the world’s most elite climbers.
Beyond mountaineering, Naila is a passionate advocate for women in adventure sports, inspiring a new generation of Pakistanis to push their limits and defy societal norms. She gained public attention after her wedding photos at K2 Base Camp went viral, marking the start of her mountaineering journey. Since then, she has become a national icon, recognized for her resilience, determination, and trailblazing achievements in extreme sports.
