PESHAWAR: Pakistani climbers Sirbaz Khan and Abid Baig have made history by becoming the first from the South Asian country to scale Tirich Mir, the 7,708-metre peak and highest mountain in the Hindu Kush range.
The daring expedition, organised under the banner of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, was led by Director Administration and Finance Umar Arshad Khan, and included a skilled team of climbers from across Pakistan – among them Dr. Naveed Iqbal, Major Muhammad Atif, Shamsul Qamar, and Akmal Naveed.
While harsh weather and violent snowstorms halted five team members at 7,300 meters, Sirbaz and Abid, both hailing from Gilgit-Baltistan province, pressed on, reaching the majestic summit and raising the Pakistani flag on one of the world’s most formidable peaks.
Describing the moment as “historic,” Umar Arshad Khan said the success has the potential to put Chitral and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on the global mountaineering map.
“Tirich Mir is not just a mountain, it’s an opportunity. With this summit, we invite the world to explore Chitral and the beauty of the Hindu Kush,” he stated, adding that the rise of local high-altitude porters will help boost the region’s economy and tourism industry.
Renowned climber Sirbaz Khan, who has now climbed the highest peaks in the Himalayas, Karakoram, and Hindu Kush, called this a Three Summits milestone – a symbolic achievement uniting the three majestic mountain ranges of Pakistan.
“Tirich Mir is unlike any other. It’s wild, remote, and truly challenging. I’m proud to be part of the team that’s brought it to the world’s attention,” he said.
The expedition was also supported by a team of seasoned high-altitude porters – Hassan, Shehzad, Younas, and Arif — each with experience navigating the deadly heights of over 8,000 meters.
