Pakistan’s celebrated mountaineer Shehroze Kashif the youngest in the country’s history to conquer all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks has once again spoken out about being abandoned by the very institutions that once promised to support him.
Taking to his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the 22-year-old climber lamented that the government had “forgotten” the commitments made to him despite his record-breaking achievements. “The government promised me a cash prize several times, but everyone has forgotten,” he wrote, tagging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, urging them to intervene.
Kashif revealed that his passion for mountaineering which has earned Pakistan immense international recognition has come at a devastating personal cost. “I sold my land, my car, and remain in debt from past expeditions,” he said. “How can you do this to someone who raised Pakistan’s flag on all 14 eight-thousanders?”
Despite receiving the Hilal-e-Imtiaz earlier this year, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian awards, the young climber says that not a single rupee of the promised financial assistance has reached him. Speaking to Geo News, Kashif shared that he has spent nearly Rs 40 million on his expeditions. “Every climb was not just about me it was about showing the world what Pakistanis can achieve,” he said.
Kashif’s mountaineering journey began remarkably early. At just 11, he scaled Makra Peak (3,885 metres), setting the foundation for what would become a legendary career. He later became the youngest person to summit both Mount Everest and K2, earning the nickname ‘Broad Boy’ after climbing Broad Peak, his first eight-thousander.
But today, behind the glory lies a painful struggle. The young climber revealed that he is battling health issues following a dangerous spinal surgery. “There are rods in my back now. I find it hard to walk, and no one has even taken responsibility for my medical expenses,” he said, his voice tinged with frustration and exhaustion.
“How can someone who brought so much pride to the country be treated like this?” he questioned. “Is this how we reward those who raise Pakistan’s flag at the highest points on Earth?”
Kashif also hinted at his growing disillusionment, warning that if the neglect continues, he might be forced to consider opportunities abroad. “If this continues,” he said, “I’ll have to think about my future outside Pakistan.”
This isn’t the first time Shehroze Kashif has voiced disappointment. Back in 2022, he publicly criticized the government for its lack of financial and logistical support, even as his record-breaking climbs brought Pakistan global acclaim.
Each of his expeditions, particularly Everest, reportedly cost him upwards of $60,000, much of it funded through personal savings and loans. Years later, those debts remain as do the unfulfilled promises.
For Shehroze, the battle to reach the world’s highest peaks may be over, but his fight for recognition and support at home, it seems, has only just begun.
