Pakistan’s 22-year-old mountaineer Shehroze Kashif made history by conquering Shishapangma, one of the world’s highest peaks, and completing his remarkable journey of scaling all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter (26,247-foot) peaks.
This accomplishment earned him the title of the youngest Pakistani to achieve such a milestone, adding a new chapter to Pakistan’s history of mountaineering.
“Today, I stand on the summit of Shishapangma, completing my journey of conquering all 14 of the world’s 8000m peaks—becoming the Youngest Pakistani to achieve this feat,” reads the message shared on Kashif’s Instagram page.
“Words can’t capture the emotions I feel at this moment. Years of relentless hard work, endless struggles for funding, permits, battling frostbite, severe health issues, and the constant fight against death itself… all of it has brought me to this pinnacle of achievement.”
Kashif is nicknamed “Broad Boy” for being the youngest Pakistani to summit Broad Peak in 2019.
“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. This remarkable achievement makes him the youngest Pakistani to conquer these formidable summits,” Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said in a statement.
Shehroze’s ascent is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a story of perseverance, faith, and national pride.
Reflecting on his journey, Shehroze said, “I knew it would be incredibly difficult, and the risk of losing my life was real. But I kept focusing on one thought—what if I succeeded? With strong faith in Allah, I found the strength to push through. Now, standing here, I realize that this achievement is not just about conquering mountains; it’s about conquering fears, doubts, and limitations. For me, it’s nothing short of a miracle.”
The Broad Boy dedicated his victory to his homeland and Pakistanis, saying “This isn’t just a personal victory; it’s a victory for Pakistan 🇵🇰. The Green Flag flies on the highest peaks in the world, proving that no dream is too big for those who believe and are willing to fight for it.”
The Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation played an instrumental role in Shehroze’s journey, offering financial and moral support.
“I am truly at a loss for words to describe my happiness today. I always believed in the extraordinary potential of this young man, and today, he has surpassed all expectations, making the entire nation proud. There’s no greater feeling than witnessing the name of Pakistan’s youth celebrated at a global level,” said Abdul Razak Dawood, a key figure in the foundation, expressing his overwhelming joy.
Shehroze’s mountaineering career began at the tender age of 11, and by 19, he had already made history by becoming the youngest Pakistani to scale Mount Everest on May 11, 2021. Later that year, on July 27, he became the youngest climber to summit K2.
In 2022, Shehroze continued to break records, reaching the top of Kangchenjunga and Lhotse, followed by successful ascents of Gasherbrum-II and Gasherbrum-I. His achievements didn’t stop there, as in 2023, he summited Cho Oyu, the sixth-highest peak in the world.
His journey to the top was not without its challenges. On October 8, 2023, many Pakistani climbers narrowly escaped tragedy when an avalanche struck near the summit of Shishapangma in Tibet, claiming the lives of two climbers and leaving two others missing. Despite this harrowing event, Shehroze’s unwavering determination allowed him to return to Shishapangma a year later and conquer it, proving that no obstacle is too great when met with resilience and courage.
Shehroze Kashif’s incredible achievement was reported only days after Hunza mountaineer Sirbaz Khan made history by becoming the first Pakistani to summit all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter (26,247-foot) peaks after summiting Shishapangma peak on October 6, 2024.