Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD:-Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation decided to sponsor female mountaineer, Naila Kiani for her upcoming mountain climbing expedition, who will be attempting to reach on the top of second highest peak in the world K-2 in June 2022.
According to an official of BARD, Naila will be the first female Pakistani mountain climber to summit the world’s 2nd highest peak. Naila Kiani has successfully climbed Gasherbrum II (8,035 meters), which is the world’s 13th highest mountain.
BARD Foundation carries a deep vision to promote and facilitate local athletes and sportspersons in order to highlight their talent and true potential across the world. BARD Foundation is a human-development initiative, founded by the renowned industrialist & technocrat - Abdul Razak Dawood and his philanthropist wife - Bilquis Dawood.
Naila Kiani is a Dubai-based Pakistani banker and an amateur boxer, whose love for the mountainous regions inspired her to carry out her wedding ceremony right at the K2 base camp in 2018. She boldly summited an 8,000+m peak, the Gasherbrum II, right after giving birth to her child. She is a true symbol of empowered, strong, and resilient female athletes in the country, and was presented with an award in December 2021 by the President of Pakistan, to acknowledge her great achievements and contributions towards mountaineering.
Naila Kiani said:
“I am indebted to my nation, especially the mountain climbing community, for always honoring my humble efforts. I would like to thank the BARD Foundation for their support towards my endeavors – their enthusiastic approach towards my goal to summit the mighty K2 is testament to their noble vision to enable Pakistani talent and sports. This pursuit will act as a beacon for other Pakistani female adventurers and encourage them to explore the mesmerizing beauty of the world’s highest peaks in Pakistan.”
Faisal Dawood said:
“It is a matter of great pride for us to sponsor the unmatched courage of another Pakistani star – Naila Kiani. Through her many dangerous treks, this female dare-devil is living her dream and building a softer image of Pakistan, globally, as a progressive destination for adventure tourism. Her K2 expedition will engage mountaineers from numerous countries, to promote global peace and harmony and attract more foreign and local female climbers to visit Pakistan.”
