Alpine Club of Pakistan announces the Second Women’s Khosar Gang Expedition 2026, unveils a special Golden Jubilee commemorative stamp, and outlines major environmental and adventure tourism initiatives.
Pakistan has announced another major step toward promoting women in adventure sports as the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) revealed plans for the Second Women’s Khosar Gang Expedition 2026, aimed at empowering female mountaineers and expanding their leadership opportunities in high-altitude climbing.
Speaking at a ceremony in Rawalpindi, ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad Khan said Pakistan continues to build a positive global image through its achievements, noting that Pakistani women have brought pride to the country across diverse fields. He also announced a special Golden Jubilee commemorative Rs50 stamp featuring images of four of Pakistan’s iconic mountains to celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary.
The expedition will attempt to summit Khosar Gang (6,040 meters) in Shigar Valley, Baltistan, within the Karakoram mountain range. The initiative follows the success of the club’s first all-women Bari La expedition, which received widespread national and international recognition.
A committee led by renowned Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani selected participants through a transparent process. The team represents all provinces, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the club’s commitment to nationwide inclusion.
The expedition team includes Zeba Batool, Bibi Afzoon, Ammara Sharif, Asma Bashir Bangash, Bisma Hassan, Saadia Maqbool, Natasha Fateh Muhammad, Bibi Malka, and Laiba Shakeel. The team is scheduled to depart from Skardu during the first week of July 2026, with all logistics managed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
ACP also announced plans to encourage more female outdoor photographers and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mountaineering, adventure tourism, environmental awareness, and gender inclusion.
Looking ahead, the club will organize the K2 Baltoro Clean-Up Campaign 2026 in September to protect Pakistan’s mountain environment, remove waste from trekking routes, and promote responsible mountain tourism and environmental conservation.
Major General Irfan Arshad Khan added that the club is working to attract new sponsors and further develop adventure sports, emphasizing that Pakistan’s majestic mountains remain one of the country’s greatest natural assets and deserve long-term protection.
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