Shehroze Kashif becomes Pakistan’s youngest climber to summit all ‘eight-thousanders’

KARACHI: Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif has made history by becoming the youngest Pakistani to climb all 14 mountains that are over 8,000 meters tall, known as the “eight-thousanders.”

The 22-year-old achieved this incredible milestone by reaching the top of Shishapangma, which stands at 8,027 meters, earlier today. Nicknamed the “Broad Boy,” Shehroze reached the summit early in the morning, securing his place in the record books. He is now the second Pakistani to complete this challenge, following Sarbaz Khan, who also climbed all 14 eight-thousanders after recently summiting Shishapangma.

Shehroze’s journey to conquer these massive peaks began in 2019 when, at just 17, he climbed Broad Peak (8,047 meters), which made him internationally recognized. In 2021, he climbed famous peaks like Mount Everest, Manaslu, and K2.

In 2022, Shehroze reached the summits of Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I, and Gasherbrum II. His achievements continued last year as he conquered Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Cho Oyu.

Last year, Shehroze attempted to climb Shishapangma but couldn’t complete it due to an accident. If he had succeeded, he would have been the youngest person in the world to climb all 14 of these towering peaks.

Reflecting on his latest accomplishment, Shehroze spoke about the tough challenges he faced. “I knew it was going to be really difficult, and there was a real chance I could lose my life,” he said. “But I stayed focused on my goal. Now, standing here, I realize this is not just about climbing mountains; it’s about conquering fears, doubts, and limits. For me, it’s nothing less than a miracle.”

Shehroze was supported by the BARD Foundation on this journey. Abdul Razak Dawood, the foundation’s founder, expressed his pride, saying, “I always believed in Shehroze’s amazing potential, and today he has gone beyond all expectations, making the whole nation proud. There’s no better feeling than seeing Pakistan’s youth celebrated on the world stage.”