As part of the special lecture series, AKU invited Nazir Sabir last week to share his experiences with AKU staff and students. Just a quick overview, AKU lecture series has invited such guests as Abeeda Parveen and Karen Armstrong.

Nazir is a mountaineer, an environmentalist and a humanitarian. Born in the lap of the Korakorakum in the Northern areas of Pakistan, Nazir has developed a keen love for mountains at a very young age. With mountains at every corner, Nazir believed that he would be able to see all of Pakistan and her cities from the mountain top. Nazir has climbed almost all the mountains in the Northern areas, including the Rakaposhi , and is the first Pakistani to climb Mount Everest. His inspiration and motivation stems from sheer fascination and love for the Divine creation. His talk was truly inspiring and thought-provoking and that is why I am sharing with you his stories and his words of wisdom.

“Mountains always have something to give to all”

“Mountains strengthens belief about eternity”

“One develops an eternal relationship with nature”

“We realize how insignificant we are when we up against a mountain”

“Even though the mountains took my brothers life, I continue because like anything else, you are always living under the shade of death”

“When you are climbing, you are putting your life in the hands of nature-you are at her mercy”

“Mountains allow you to discover your strengths and your weaknesses”

“Climbing is similar to making a pilgrimage”

“As Pakistani, I wonder if we truly deserve such beauty. Have we really been able to take care of this?”

“We Pakistanis travel the world but we have yet to discover our own land”

“It is sad that our youth are losing connection with nature”

“We climb our own mountain everyday. We fall but we get up but we learn from our mistakes”

“One really appreciates the meaning and value of life”

Nazir talked about one of his near death experiences as he was falling off a mountain. He started to have a dialogue with God, fighting with the Great Power that he was not “ready to die.” He tried to negotiate with God in the attempt that God would grant him a second chance. After many negotiations, he felt defeated and started to accept his fate. He proclaimed, “I am ready!” However, soon after his acceptance, Nazir found himself close to the edge of the mountain but safe. He was granted a ‘second chance.’

Nazir attempted to climb the K2 twice. His first attempt claimed the lives of 5 of his closest friends and climbing partners before reaching the summit. However, Nazir made a promise to himself and his friends that he would attempt the k2 again-that he would not give up. After a long and arduous climb during his second attempt, Nazir and new his partners reached the summit of K2 hand in hand. However, this moment was an emotional moment for Nazir as memories of his late friends overpowered him. He shared with us a picture depicting him at the summit of K2, kneeling and prostrating before the Divine. Submission to the Divine will and grace. There he offered prayers for his friends and the rest of their souls. If a picture could say a thousand words, this one was it.