Ismaili Women from Pakistan Mark Historical Achievements | @imnatashabaig @Samina_Baig

Samina Baig and Natasha Baig of Pakistan bring inspiration to the nation, as both make historical achievements.

Samina Baig, who is an Ismaili mountaineer from Pakistan succeeds in climbing K2, the second-highest peak in the world. Samina was also the first Ismaili Muslim woman and the first Pakistani female to climb Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak in 2013. She also holds the record for scaling 7 summits in 7 continents.

As a child, Samina grew up in the isolated Hunza village of Shimshal, Gilgit-Baltistan. As a child, Samina had always dreamt of living in the mountains. It was at the age of 15 that she began her mountaineering career. Samina has also been honored with the designation of National Goodwill Ambassador of Pakistan by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Reflecting on her past achievements, Samina once said she wants to inspire the millions of women in Pakistan: “Women are often underestimated in our society, so my achievement will send out a message to everyone – women are equally capable of achieving great things in life.” Today her historical achievement reiterates this vision that holds the power to inspire millions of other women in Pakistan.

In other news

Renowned singer from the mountainous regions of Hunza Valley, Natasha Baig’s image recently appeared on Billboard in New York City, Time Square as a featured artist for the month of July by Spotify “Equal Pakistan”.

“It seems like only yesterday when I decided to follow my heart in spite of knowing the consequences but deep down I was hoping things are gonna be fine,” Natasha reflects in a post on her social media channels. “I was just a little girl who was passionate about music and needed a little push because I was scared”, recollects Natasha.

A graduate from Szabist Karachi with a major in Film/TV production, Natasha had found her interest in music as a hobby, which finally ended up as her career and passion. Natasha’s first appearance on stage was in 2013 with the reality show Cornetto Music Icons after getting selected as one of the 6 talented musicians across Pakistan by Zoe Viccaji. The breakthrough for Natasha was when she got nominated for Best Emerging Talent for her song in the film Janaan at the Lux Style Awards four years later in 2017.

Natasha shot to fame when she appeared on Coke Studio season 11 with Fareed Ayaz and the Abu Muhammad Qawaal group in 2018. The majority of people praised her performance of “Shikwa.” 4 songs—Bulleya (feat. Raagrush), Ho Mian, Ya Moula Urdu Version, and Mene Dekha Hai—were then released by Natasha Baig.

“I was thrilled when I heard Spotify was coming to Pakistan but little did I know that they would feature me in their amazing initiative for women. I’m short on words, I just wanna thank Spotify “Equal Pakistan” for empowering women in music,” says Natasha.

As both Ismaili stars make history, I join our community in wishing them good luck in all their endeavors.