Youngest Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, who has proudly raised the national flag on all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks, has once again expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to deliver on repeated promises of financial support.

Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the 22-year-old climber — the youngest Pakistani to summit all 14 8,000ers — wrote, “The government promised me a cash prize several times, but everyone has forgotten.”

Kashif, who received the Hilal-e-Imtiaz earlier this year in recognition of his historic mountaineering achievements, said that no financial reward has materialized despite repeated assurances.

Mountaineer says he sold land, car to fund expeditions

In his emotional post, Kashif revealed that he had to sell his land and car and even take on debt to continue his mountaineering pursuits — spending nearly Rs40 million out of his own pocket to bring global fame to Pakistan.

My government promised support, but all was forgotten. I sold my land, my car, and remain in debt from past expeditions. How can you do this to someone who raised Pakistan’s flag on all 14 eight-thousanders? @MaryamNSharif @CMShehbaz @TararAttaullah please look into this! pic.twitter.com/wMhwPxxVcS
— Shehroze Kashif (broadboy) (@Shehrozekashif2) October 22, 2025

He further disclosed that he underwent a back operation due to injuries sustained during expeditions and is now struggling to walk, yet no official body has taken responsibility for his treatment.

“If this attitude continues,” he cautioned, “I will be forced to think about something for myself abroad.”

Journey marked by determination and global recognition

Kashif’s mountaineering journey began remarkably early — at just 11 years old, when he summited Makra Peak (3,885m). Since then, he has gone on to achieve extraordinary milestones: becoming the youngest person to climb both Mount Everest and K2, and earning the nickname “Broad Boy” after conquering Broad Peak, his first eight-thousander.

His list of climbs now includes all 14 of the world’s highest peaks above 8,000 meters — a feat few mountaineers in history have accomplished.

Not the first time Kashif has complained

This is not the first time Shehroze Kashif has voiced his frustration. Back in 2022, he publicly criticized the lack of government support for his record-breaking climbs, despite being hailed as a national hero. Reaching the summit of Mount Everest alone reportedly cost him around $60,000, yet even after years of recognition, official promises remain unfulfilled.