The duo wanted to pay tribute to the late Muhammad Ali Sadpara and inspire youngsters
Climbers Sirbaz Khan and Muhammad Abdul Joshi became the first Pakistanis to summit the 8,091-metre Annapurna peak in Nepal. This was their third attempt to climb the peak in the current summit. Annapurna peak is the tenth highest and most dangerous peak in the world.
Sirbaz has been a professional climber since 2016 and hails from Aliabad, Hunza. He credit Nazir Sabir (the first Pakistani to climb the Everest) and Ashraf Aman (the first Pakistani to reach the summit of K2) as his inspirations.
Joshi is a professional climber and a high altitude porter. Hailing from Shimshal, Hunza, he has been part of various expeditions to the 8,000m peaks in Pakistan. This is his first successful 8,000m peak.
The summit was dedicated to the recently deceased legendary Pakistani climber Muhammad Ali Sadpara and to acknowledge the local porters. He was attempting to conquer K2 in winters when bad weather claimed his life along with two other climbers. The duo also want to inspire youngsters to take the field.
Climber receive appreciation
Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) Karrar Haidri congratulated the climbers on behalf of the club. “On behalf of the ACP, its president, executive board, and members, I congratulate Sirbaz Khan and Abdul Joshi climbing team on its successful first Pakistani ascent of 10th-highest and most difficult peak Annapurna. It is an outstanding achievement, and we all are very proud of you.”
Legendary climber Nazir Sabir also appreciated the young climbers on their achievement. He also hoped that Shehroze Kashif will be able to conquer Mount Everest in his current attempt. “Congratulations on great success and prayers for safe return. I hope this will inspire more youngsters in this country. I also wish the best of luck to Shehroze Kashif who is currently on Mount Everest and hopefully, he reaches the top.”