Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif posed with the nationwide flag on a mountain prime. — X@Shehrozekashif2
Younger Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, who has proudly raised Pakistan’s flag on all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, has as soon as once more voiced his frustration over the “government’s failure to fulfil repeated promises of support”.
Taking to his X deal with, the 22-year-old climber — the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 eight-thousanders — stated, “The government promised me a cash prize several times, but everyone has forgotten.” Regardless of nationwide recognition and being honoured with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz earlier this yr, Kashif claims the monetary rewards have but to materialise.
“My government promised support, but all was forgotten. I sold my land, my car, and remain in debt from past expeditions. How can you do this to someone who raised Pakistan’s flag on all 14 eight-thousanders?”
He additionally tagged Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Minister for Info Attaullah Tarar, urging them to take discover.
His journey started on the age of 11, when he climbed the three,885-metre Makra Peak. He went on to grow to be the youngest individual to climb each Everest and K2, and earned the nickname “Broad Boy” after summiting Broad Peak, his first eight-thousander.
Nonetheless, regardless of his achievements, Kashif stated he now faces severe medical points ensuing from a harmful spinal operation. “There are rods in my back now. I find it difficult to walk, and no one has even taken responsibility for my medical bills,” he stated.
He questioned how such therapy may very well be meted out to somebody who introduced world recognition to Pakistan. “How can anyone treat a person like this, who has climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres?” he requested.
“If this continues,” he warned, “I’ll be forced to consider my future outside the country.”
This isn’t the primary time Kashif has expressed disappointment. In 2022, he publicly complained concerning the lack of presidency assist for his mountaineering efforts, regardless of setting information and gaining worldwide acclaim.
Reaching the summit of Everest alone reportedly price him round $60,000. But, years later, he says, guarantees stay unfulfilled — and the climb, it appears, is way from over.
