Samina Baig, a trailblazing Pakistani mountaineer, made history by becoming the first Ismaili Muslim woman and the first Pakistani female to conquer Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. On May 19, 2013, at 7:40 AM, Samina, accompanied by her brother and trainer Mirza Ali, reached the summit of Mount Everest.
There, she proudly unfurled the national flag of Pakistan and the Ismaili flag, symbolizing her remarkable achievement. With this feat, Samina aspires to inspire millions of women in Pakistan, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and break barriers.
Hailing from the village of Shimsal in Hunza, Gilgit-Baltistan, Samina Baig had previously scaled the 6,000-meter Chaskin Sar peak, which has since been named after her. Determined and supported by external funding, she and her brother embarked on a year-long journey of intense physical and mental training to conquer Everest.
Samina’s climb coincided with the 60th Anniversary of the historic first ascent by Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary in 1953. In her moment of triumph, she reflected on the women of Pakistan who face various restrictions, expressing her hope that her achievement would serve as a catalyst for change and empower women to pursue their aspirations.
