Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani has etched her name in history by successfully summiting Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 meters), the world’s third-highest peak, situated on the border of Nepal and India. With this latest feat, Kiani has become the only Pakistani woman to climb 12 of the world’s 14 mountains above 8,000 meters—a remarkable milestone in her mountaineering journey.

Kiani reached the summit at 6:00 am local time on Friday, according to Mingma G, a renowned Nepali climber and owner of Imagine Nepal. After raising the Pakistani flag atop Kanchenjunga, Kiani and her team began their descent to base camp.

The summit push began Thursday evening and continued through the night, with Kiani braving severe weather, heavy snowfall, and sub-zero temperatures. Despite the harsh conditions, her determination and national pride propelled her to the top.

“This summit is not just a personal milestone, it’s a message to every girl and woman in Pakistan and beyond: you are stronger than you think,” Kiani said during her descent.

Kiani’s achievement brings her closer to joining an elite group of fewer than 20 women worldwide who have conquered all 14 of the world’s 8,000-meter peaks. Her previous summits include Everest, K2, Broad Peak, Nanga Parbat, Gasherbrum I and II, Annapurna, Lhotse, Manaslu, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Karrar Haidri, congratulated Kiani on her historic accomplishment, noting that her success cements her place in both national and global mountaineering history.