Young mountaineer Shehroze Kashif has once again expressed his disappointment over what he describes as the government’s unfulfilled promises of financial support.
The 22-year-old climber, who has hoisted the Pakistani flag on all fourteen peaks of the world above 8,000 meters, shared his concerns on X, saying he was repeatedly assured of a cash prize that was never awarded.
Despite being honored with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz earlier this year and receiving widespread national acclaim, Kashif says the promised monetary recognition is still pending.
“My government promised support, but everything was forgotten. I sold my land and my car and am still in debt from previous expeditions. How can you do this to someone who has hoisted the Pakistani flag on all fourteen eight-thousanders?”
He also named Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar and urged them to take note of the same.
In a conversation with Geo newsKashif revealed that his passion for mountaineering has come at a great personal cost. “I spent almost Rs 40 million to make my country proud,” he said.
His journey began at the age of 11, when he climbed the 3,885-meter Makra Peak. He became the youngest person to climb both Everest and K2, and was nicknamed “Broad Boy” after climbing Broad Peak, his first eight-thousander.
Despite his achievements, Kashif says he is now dealing with serious medical issues following a dangerous spinal surgery. “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 said.
He wondered how such treatment could be meted out to someone who has brought Pakistan global recognition. “How can anyone treat someone like that who has climbed all fourteen peaks above 8,000 meters?” he asked.
“If this continues,” he warned, “I will be forced to think about my future outside the country.”
This is not the first time Kashif has expressed his disappointment. In 2022, he publicly complained about the lack of government support for his mountaineering, despite setting records and gaining international fame.
Reaching the summit of Everest alone reportedly cost him around $60,000. But years later, he says, the promises remain unfulfilled – and the climb appears far from over.
