KARACHI: Renowned Pakistani surgeon and mountaineer Dr. Rana Hassan Javed achieved a remarkable feat on Friday by summiting Nanga Parbat, the world’s ninth-highest and one of the most perilous peaks.
This accomplishment marks Dr. Javed’s second summit above 8,000 meters, following his successful climb of Gasherbrum II last year. Standing at 8,126 meters, Nanga Parbat, often called the ‘Killer Mountain,’ is notorious for its deadly conditions and high fatality rate. Dr. Javed’s success is celebrated as a significant milestone in Pakistan’s mountaineering history.
The expedition also featured seasoned high-altitude porter Ali Hassan from Hushe Valley, whose expertise was instrumental in reaching the summit. However, the mountaineering community mourns the loss of Czech climber Klara Kolouchova, who tragically fell to her death during an attempt on Nanga Parbat. The 46-year-old, renowned as the first Czech woman to summit Everest and K2, reportedly fell between Camps I and II early Thursday, with officials suspecting an oxygen cylinder explosion as the cause. Her death marks a somber moment amid the ongoing climbing season.
Kolouchova was part of a seven-member team that arrived in Pakistan on June 15, aiming to complete her quest to scale all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Her remains remain at the site of the fall, with her teammates confirming her passing after returning to base camp.The mountaineering fraternity extends condolences to Kolouchova’s family and celebrates Dr. Javed’s extraordinary achievement amidst the backdrop of tragedy and resilience.
