‘Allah chose me’: Dubai-based banker is first Pakistani woman mountaineer to summit Gasherbrum-II
‘Allah chose me’: Dubai-based banker is first Pakistani woman mountaineer to summit Gasherbrum-II/node/1905246/pakistan
‘Allah chose me’: Dubai-based banker is first Pakistani woman mountaineer to summit Gasherbrum-II
A Dubai-based Pakistani woman, Naila Kiani, waves her country's flag after summiting Gasherbrum II, located in District Shigar Gilgit–Baltistan region of Pakistan, on July 18, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Naila Kiani)
KHAPLU, Gilgit-Baltistan: A Dubai-based Pakistani woman, who got married at the base camp of K2, the world’s second tallest peak in 2018, before launching her rock-climbing career last month, told Arab News she was planning more mountaineering expeditions in Pakistan and would also travel to Nepal to get more experience.
Last month, Naila Kiani became the first female Pakistani mountaineer to successfully climb the world’s thirteenth highest mountain, Gasherbrum-II, which stands at over 8,000 meters above sea level. But her passion for the mountains has been clear since July 2018, when Kiani’s wedding became a social media sensation after she posted pictures of the ceremony at the K2 base camp.
“I am a professional banker and have been living in Dubai for the last five years,” she told Arab News over the phone on Monday. “I am also a boxer, so I was confident about my ability to climb G-II, though I was a little nervous at the beginning.”
A Dubai-based Pakistan woman, Naila Kiani, poses for a photograph in her bridal dress at the base camp of the world's second tallest K2 Mountain in July 2018. (Photo courtesy: Naila Kiani)
Kiani was accompanied by Sirbaz Khan and Ali Raza Sadpara on her expedition and raised the Pakistan flag on Gasherbrum-II on July 18.
“Five more Pakistani women, including Samina Baig, were on their expeditions to different peaks above 8,000 meters in Pakistan this summer,” she said. “Allah chose me, and I scaled G-II.”
A Dubai-based Pakistani woman, Naila Kiani, waves her country's flag along with other mountaineers after summiting Gasherbrum II, located in District Shigar Gilgit–Baltistan region of Pakistan, on July 18, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Naila Kiani)
Asked about her previous mountaineering experience, Kiani said she had trekked to K2 base camp and visited Gondogoro La, 5,585-meter-high mountain pass 25 kilometers south of K2. However, Kiani said she had not scaled any peak and G-II was her “first summit.”
“I was faced with different options while planning to climb my first mountain,” she said. “When I did my research, however, I realized that both 7,000- and 8,000-meter-high peaks required the same expedition time. So, I decided it would be the 8,000-meter Gasherbrum II Mountain. All my family members, especially my husband, cooperated with me.”
Kiani said she wanted to project a soft image of Pakistan through her adventures.
A Dubai-based Pakistani woman, Naila Kiani, poses for a pictrure while summiting Gasherbrum II, located in District Shigar Gilgit–Baltistan region of Pakistan, on July 18, 2021. (Photo courtesy: Naila Kiani)
“Pakistan has an image problem which prevents foreign climbers and tourists from visiting our country,” Kiani said. “That makes it imperative for us to depict a positive image of our country. I am trying my best to address that issue in my own network of friends by carrying out different sports activities.”
Asked if she had a message for other Pakistani women, Kiani said:
“There is no dearth of talents among Pakistani women, but they should not abandon their hobbies due to family issues … Women should step forward and carve out bigger spaces for themselves in society by utilizing their talent.”
ISLAMABAD: Thousands of supporters of prominent Pakistani religiopolitical party Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) are expected to take part in a “Gaza Solidarity March” in the southern port city of Karachi against Israel’s military offensives in the Palestinian territory.
The protest will take place days after the JI held demonstrations in Lahore and other major cities on Friday to protest Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and urge Muslim nations to stop the bloodshed.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says at least 1,560 people have been killed since the fragile truce between Hamas and Israel broke down on Mar. 18. According to Palestinian Civil Defense spokesperson Mahmoud Basal, at least 500 children are among the dead since Israel resumed the offensive last month.
“A Solidarity with Gaza March will be held on Sunday, Apr. 13 at 4:00 p.m. on Shahrah-e-Faisal in Karachi,” the JI said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday.
— Jamaat e Islami Pakistan (@JIPOfficial) April 12, 2025
The JI has already announced it will lead a protest march to the US Embassy in Islamabad on Apr. 20.
Pakistan, which does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, has frequently criticized the Jewish state for its military operations in Gaza. Islamabad has also called for the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory and the need for a revival of negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
Islamabad consistently calls for an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israel’s military offensives in Gaza have killed over 50,000 people and wounded over 116,000, as per the Gaza Health Ministry.
Pakistani fintech Haball raises $52 million to scale Shariah-compliant supply chain finance and payment solutions
Founded to address credit gap in Pakistan’s SME ecosystem, Haball enables businesses to access Islamic finance products
Updated 24 min 5 sec ago
Nour El-Shaeri
RIYADH: Startups across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia are securing fresh capital and expanding into new markets, signaling strong investor confidence.
Saudi-based business-to-business marketplace Sary has announced it will merge with Bangladesh’s commerce platform ShopUp to create the SILQ Group, a newly formed entity aiming to transform cross-border trade across South Asia and the Gulf.
The merger is supported by a $110 million funding package comprising an equity investment and a financing facility dedicated to SILQ Financial, the group’s financial services arm.
The funding round includes participation from a broad investor base, led by Sanabil Investments, and joined by Valar Ventures, Flourish Ventures and STV, as well as MSA Capital, VSQ and Rocketship VC. Wafra Investment, Peak XV and Prosus were also involved, along with Tiger Global, Endeavor Catalyst and Raed Ventures.
Qatar Development Bank also participated as a new investor, as SILQ sets its sights on establishing a significant presence in the Qatari market.
This strategic alliance signals a significant step toward deeper commercial integration between the two regions, aiming to serve micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises with improved access to global supply chains and embedded financial tools.
Founded in 2018 by Mohammed Al-Dossary and Khaled Al-Siari, Sary connects small retailers and merchants with manufacturers and lenders across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.
ShopUp, founded in 2016 by Afeef Zaman, offers similar services in Bangladesh, acting as a crucial link between mills, brands, and neighborhood retailers.
The newly formed SILQ Group combines these complementary regional networks, technology stacks, and market expertise.
Saudi-based business-to-business marketplace Sary has announced it will merge with Bangladesh’s commerce platform ShopUp to create the SILQ Group. (Supplied)
“Through this merger, we’re entering what’s set to become one of the world’s largest trade corridors — projected to reach $682 billion,” said Zaman, now CEO of SILQ Group.
“We’re in the front seat to serve some of the most exciting, fast-growing economies that are set to shape global consumption in the coming decades, giving them greater access to products from around the world.” He added SILQ will focus on eliminating friction in the B2B supply chain and enabling MSMEs with better technology and financial inclusion.
Al-Dossary, now CEO of SILQ Financial, said: “By merging our strengths, we’re not just expanding our reach — we’re revolutionizing how digital commerce serves Gulf’s merchants and South Asia manufacturers.”
He added: “This alliance brings together the best of both worlds — deep regional expertise and world-class technology to empower every business in our ecosystem where financial services are a cornerstone.”
Language AI platform STUCK? secures six-figure pre-seed round
Saudi-based artificial intelligence startup STUCK?, which offers real-time language support for English and Arabic content, has raised a six-figure pre-seed investment round to advance its product and market reach.
The funding was led by the UK-based Mena Tech Fund, with participation from the KAUST Innovation Fund and several angel investors from Saudi Arabia.
Founded in 2022 by Asmaa Naga, STUCK? delivers AI-powered language assistance to content teams, offering contextual help in writing, editing and translation.
The company aims to remove language barriers for both native and non-native speakers operating in bilingual business environments.
STUCK? provides services via an AI-first platform that combines natural language processing with generative tools optimized for business communication and brand tone consistency.
With this latest round, STUCK? plans to scale its engineering capabilities.
Rabbit launches in Saudi Arabia with Riyadh regional HQ
Cairo-born quick commerce startup Rabbit has expanded its operations to Saudi Arabia by opening a regional headquarters in Riyadh.
The move marks Rabbit’s first major international market entry, as it looks to replicate its rapid delivery model — offering grocery and everyday essentials in under 20 minutes — within the Kingdom’s growing e-commerce landscape.
Founded in 2021 by Ahmed Yousry, Walid Shabana, Ismail Hafezz and Tarek El-Geresy, Rabbit leverages a network of dark stores and a proprietary logistics platform to optimize ultra-fast last-mile delivery.
In Egypt, Rabbit has positioned itself as a leader in q-commerce with its tech-driven approach, and it now seeks to replicate this success in the Gulf by localizing its services for Saudi consumers.
We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our cutting-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households.
Ahmad Yousry, Rabbit co-founder and CEO
Rabbit’s expansion is supported by funding from investors including Lorax Capital Partners, Global Ventures, Raed Ventures, and Beltone Venture Capital.
Existing backers Global Founders Capital, Goodwater Capital, Hub71, Simple Capital and Foundation Ventures have also reaffirmed their commitment to the company’s growth strategy.
“We are delighted to announce Rabbit’s expansion into the Kingdom,” said co-founder and CEO Ahmad Yousry.
“We pride ourselves on being a hyperlocal company, bringing our cutting-edge tech and experience to transform the grocery shopping experience for Saudi households and delivering the best products — especially local favorites — in just 20 minutes. We’re building Rabbit Saudi for Saudis by Saudi hands.”
Sellou raises seed funding round at $3m valuation
Bahrain-based social commerce startup Sellou has closed a seed funding round at a $3 million valuation, aimed at scaling its video-powered marketplace platform across the MENA region.
Founded by Salman Al-Khalifa, Sellou allows users to create short, interactive videos to showcase and sell a wide range of products — ranging from handmade goods to general merchandise.
The platform is part of a rising wave of social commerce innovation, particularly in the Middle East, where mobile-first consumer behavior is driving the adoption of new retail formats.
Sellou’s app enables sellers to build storefronts with personalized video content and engage buyers through direct messaging, streamlining the e-commerce experience for both sides.
With fresh capital, Sellou intends to invest in expanding its engineering team, enhancing creator tools and entering new markets across the region.
Rentify raises $500k to grow rental payment platform
UAE-based proptech and fintech company Rentify has raised $500,000 in seed funding to accelerate the development of its rental payment and management platform.
The startup was founded in 2025 by Rashed Hareb and Rajneel Kumar with a vision to digitize rental transactions and improve transparency between tenants and landlords.
Rentify enables tenants to manage rental installments through a secure platform.
The company reports that over $408 million worth of property rentals have already been registered on the platform.
The seed funding will be used to further scale operations, integrate more properties across the Emirates, and introduce new fintech features including credit scoring and embedded finance solutions for tenants.
PayTic raises $4m to expand African operations
Morocco-based fintech startup PayTic has secured $4 million in funding to support its expansion into new African markets.
The round was led by AfricInvest, with participation from Build Ventures, Axian Group, Mistral, Island Capital Partner, and Concrete.
Founded in 2020 by Imad Boumahdi, PayTic focuses on automating operational processes for card issuers and banks, such as reconciliation, chargeback management, and regulatory reporting.
The capital injection will enable PayTic to grow its presence in both North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.
Haball raises $52m to grow Shariah-compliant supply chain financing
Pakistan-based fintech firm Haball has raised $52 million to scale its Shariah-compliant supply chain finance and payment solutions.
The round includes $5 million in equity and $47 million in strategic financing.
Zayn VC and Meezan Bank led the investment, with the capital earmarked for growth in Pakistan and expansion into the Middle East, starting with Saudi Arabia later this year.
Founded to address the credit gap in Pakistan’s SME ecosystem, Haball enables businesses to access Islamic finance products for inventory and procurement needs.
“Supply chain finance in Pakistan is nascent but is expected to be worth over $9 billion; driven by the severe financing gap faced by the country’s SMEs — less than 5 percent can access financing from commercial banks,” the company said in a statement.
The funding will allow Haball to introduce new services tailored to Islamic finance users, integrate further with enterprise resource planning systems, and partner with banks to onboard new business clients.
ISLAMABAD: Veteran Pakistani stage and television comedian Muhammad Javed, popularly known as “Javed Kodu,” passed away in the eastern city of Lahore on Sunday after suffering from prolonged illness, state-run media reported.
Javed, who as per media reports was 50 years old, was widely recognized for his comedic talent and distinctive short stature.
He passed away during the wee hours of Sunday after a long battle with illness. The comedian’s funeral prayers will be held at the marquee behind his residence in Lahore’s Singhpura area, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said.
“The veteran performer, who dedicated more than four decades to the entertainment industry, leaves behind a legacy of laughter, resilience, and heartfelt performances,” APP reported.
Born with dwarfism, Javed faced numerous societal and professional challenges throughout his life, APP said.
It added that his stage name “Kodu” was affectionately given to him by legendary comedian Akhtar Hussain Albela.
Javed began acting in 1981 with the play “Sode Baaz” and went on to star in over 150 Punjabi and Urdu films, along with several stage productions.
His TV drama “Ashiyana” was a hit with fans and is arguably the most popular television project Javed was associated with.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief at Javed’s passing, praising his talent as a comedian.
“Javed Kodu, who was famous for his short stature and towering talent, leaves behind a void in the media industry that is likely never to be filled,” Sharif was quoted as saying by his office.
The late comedian is survived by his wife and two sons. One of his sons, Shera, is a popular performer on the comedy show “Mazaaq Raat.
ISLAMABAD: The Iranian embassy in Pakistan on Sunday condemned a “cowardly” attack that claimed the lives of eight Pakistanis in the Sistan-Baluchestan province a day earlier, calling for joint efforts to eradicate “terrorism” from the region.
Pakistan confirmed late Saturday night the killings of eight of its nationals in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province. Afghanistan’s Khaama Press News Agency reported the attack took place in the early hours of Saturday in a village in Mehrestan district, located near the Iran-Pakistan border. The outlet said the victims were auto mechanics.
The separatist Balochistan National Army (BNA) claimed responsibility for the attack later in the day, alleging that the slain workers were members of Pakistan’s premier spy agency.
“The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the inhumane and cowardly armed incident against 8 Pakistani nationals in Iran’s Sistan and Balouchestan province,” the statement said.
“Combating this ominous phenomenon requires collective and joint efforts by all countries to eradicate all forms of terrorism and extremism that have claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people in recent decades,” it added.
The Iranian embassy described “terrorism” as a chronic plight and a common threat throughout the region. It added that through it, “traitorous elements, in collaboration with international terrorism” target security and stability throughout the region.
In a statement released from his office on Saturday night, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for all regional countries to come together to devise and enforce a coordinated counterterrorism strategy to eliminate militant violence.
“The Iranian government must bring those responsible to justice and share the reasons behind this heinous act with the public,” Sharif said.
Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, has faced a low-level insurgency for nearly two decades. Baloch separatist groups, such as the BNA and the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) accuse the central government of exploiting the region’s natural resources, such as gold and copper, without benefiting the local population.
Islamabad denies the allegations, saying it is committed to improving the lives of Baloch residents through various development projects.
Thousands of Pakistanis, mostly from economically disadvantaged regions, frequently cross into Iran to take up informal work in sectors such as vehicle repair, construction, and agriculture.
In January last year, nine Pakistani laborers were killed and three critically injured in a similar attack in Saravan city, also located in Iran’s southeastern border region.
The victims in that case had also been working at an auto repair shop.
Last year’s killings took place at a time when Pakistan and Iran were trying to mend diplomatic ties following tit-for-tat missile and drone strikes.
Both neighbors share a troubled, porous border and routinely blame each other for not rooting out militancy from the area.
ISLAMABAD: Islamabad will host its first-ever Overseas Pakistanis Convention today, Sunday, to recognize expatriates’ contribution to the national economy and address their issues, state-run media reported.
Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis are crucial for the South Asian country as it navigates a tricky path to recovery from a macroeconomic crisis that has drained its revenue. Pakistan expects to receive more than $35 billion in remittances this year through June, with overseas Pakistanis remitting a record $1.3 billion in February.
The three-day convention will be held in Pakistan’s capital from Apr. 13-15.
“It [convention] is aimed at recognizing the contributions of overseas Pakistanis to the national economy,” state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
It said the government will grant the status of “state guests” to overseas Pakistanis attending the convention, adding that special arrangements are being made to welcome them at the country’s airports.
“The Overseas Pakistanis Convention will provide a platform where overseas Pakistanis, government representatives, and national institutions will come together under one roof,” it said.
Various government departments have set up help desks to provide information, guidance and services to overseas Pakistanis at a single location, it said.
“This reflects the Government’s strong commitment to listening to, understanding and promptly addressing the problems of overseas Pakistanis,” the state broadcaster said.
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain expressed the government’s determination to work for the welfare of overseas Pakistanis and address their problems in a video message.
“Remittances sent by overseas Pakistanis support hundreds of thousands of Pakistanis,” Hussain said. “The significant increase in remittances in recent months reflects that you have trust in the Pakistani government.”
