Sharif awards Rs2.5m prize for Everest feat

Islamabad: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday gave a cash award of Rs2.5 million to Samina Baig in recognition of her being the first Pakistani woman to scale Mt Everest, according to an official statement.

The young climber called on Sharif at his office and shared with him her feelings about conquering the the highest peak.

Congratulating her, Sharif said her landmark achievement will go a long way in installing confidence in women.

On May 19, the 22-year-old from the small town of Shimshal in the Hunza valley scaled the 8,848-metre peak after a gruelling expedition in rough weather.

She was accompanied by her brother Mirza Ali, who became the third and youngest Pakistani male to scale the mountain.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan announced on May 22 that it will recommend Samina’s name for the pride of performance and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz awards.

— With inputs from agencies