I love Pakistan’s people more than its mountains: US mountaineer
islamabad — American-British mountaineer, Vanessa O’Brien, who recently scaled K2, has said that the warmth and love she received in Pakistan was matchless.
“I love Pakistan’s people more than its mountains,” she said here on Tuesday.
Addressing a news conference at a local hotel, Vanessa that she had found Pakistani people loving and caring. “I love Pakistan, its people and will like to travel it again,” the 52-year old, who carried flags of both the US and Pakistan atop the mountain, said.
Vanessasaidshewantstodosomething for Pakistan and its youth. She said there were so many opportunities in Pakistan, adding it needed support in various sectors and she would like to do something for this country. Vanessa, who had already ascended Mount Everest and other top peaks around the globe, said technically K2 was more difficult peak than Everest. “Less than 400 people have climbed the K2 and of every five who attempt to summit it, one dies. On the other hand 7,600 people have scaled the Everest.
“As far as women are concerned, who have climbed the K2, I’m officially the 20th, just a speck compared to Everest’s 489 women,” she said. Vanessa’s K2 team comprised climbers from China, Norway, Scotland, Pakistan and Nepal. She praised her team saying, “I’m proud of this team for their dedication, perseverance, bravery and commitment to reach the summit of K2 and to take additional risk.”
To a question she said women should try to come forward and do something different. “They should try new things. And I believe they are capable of doing anything. But they also need the support and backing of men. Men should be forthcoming. Their support can help women achieve their goals.”
“I believe one should set their sights high, announce their intentions, ask for help, learn from their mistakes, believe in guardian angels and not let others tell you it’s over until you say it’s over.
“Pivot outside your comfort zone, to try something new, knowing that you have safety net of accumulated knowledge, skills and experience that no one can take away from you,” she added. — APP