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K2- The highest peak in Pakistan

Zarbab Ayesha Malik

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Dwarfed only by Mount Everest, K2 is the world’s second-highest peak. It is one of the deadliest peaks. One in every four climbers is killed there. It has steep rock faces, glacier climbs, and devastatingly brutal weather. K-2 is located in the Karakorum range and lies partly in the Chinese administered enclave of the Kashmir region within the Uygar Autonomous region of Xinjiang, China.

The glacier and the snow-covered mountain rise from its base at about 15,000 feet on the Godwin Austin Glacier. The first attempt to reach the summit was made by an Anglo-Swiss expedition in 1902. Another unsuccessful attempt was in 1909. K-2 has been in the news recently, after a team of mountaineers successfully scaled the world’s second-highest peak and Pakistan’s highest peak. It is 8,611 meters above sea level. The mountain lies in the northwestern region of the Karakorum mountain range, which rises in northwest Afghanistan and spans the borders of Pakistan, India and China. The mountain is found on the China/Pakistan border between the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan, and Xinjiang, China, and marks the highest point above sea level in both of those regions.

Someone once said that peaks and mountains are happiness. That someone is definitely me. It is true for people who really dared to climb the mountain. In 1856, a British officer working for the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India reached a small mountain in Kashmir. There his sight fell on two special peaks more than 200km away in the Karakorum. He named them k1 and k2. The k is the Karakorum.

K-2 is referred as Mount Godwin Austin in honor of Henry Godwin Austin, an early explorer of the region. The name was rejected by the Royal Geographical Society, but it is used on several maps and places.

George bell named the mountain as savage mountain after he almost slipped from the mountain due to its deadly nature. K-2 has never been climbed in winters. The expeditions in 2019 were unsuccessful. The death rate of K-2 is 25% and of mount Everest is 4 percent only.

The mountain appears to us so gigantic. All mountains are formed of hard rock, otherwise, they would have been leveled to flat plains. The mountains keep the air circulating and renew its purity. The snow-covered summits of high mountains make the air in contact with them freezing. The air can never remain stagnant in one place but is always moving and being refreshed by the coal rocks and snow of the mountains.

Mountains are again great reservoirs of earth’s fresh water, and are the source of rivers and streams, without which men could not live. They catch the rain and store it up. Snow also descends from the higher levels and is also the source of the river.

Mountains provide the material that forms the fertile soil of the plains. The rocks at high levels on the mountains are constantly being split and broken by intense frost.

We owe to the mountains fresh air, freshwater, and fertile soil. There are mountain destinations in the world where you can take your family and friends to have a glimpse of nature. The climb to the K-2 is full of adventure. It has been on the bucket list of many people including me. The climb to the K-2 is very adventurous and exciting. The people of yesteryear had a tough time climbing the mountain but now it has become easy. It is challenging but not as challenging as it used to be. It gives you an adrenaline rush like never before.

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“Through Iqbal’s Words, We Find the Spirit to Soar as One Nation”

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a poet, philosopher, and politician but also a visionary who planted the seeds of unity, self-respect, and resilience in the hearts of Muslims in the Indian subcontinent. Iqbal’s words were the catalysts that motivated people to recognize their potential, unite under a shared purpose, and ultimately pave the way for an independent Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy still resonate, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the power of unity, faith, and discipline in overcoming challenges.

Iqbal’s Philosophy: A Call to Selfhood and Unity

Iqbal was deeply influenced by the concept of “Khudi,” or selfhood, which he introduced as an idea of recognizing and cultivating the inner strength within each individual. He encouraged Muslims to develop their personal and spiritual strength, advocating for a life driven by purpose and unwavering resolve. For Iqbal, the idea of “Khudi” was not merely about individual development but about understanding that one’s personal strength contributes to the strength of the entire nation.

He also emphasized unity, which he saw as an essential component for the progress and survival of any community. Iqbal believed that unity was the bedrock upon which a nation could stand strong, and he used his poetry to inspire a collective identity that transcended individual differences. His call to unity was not just for the Muslims of India but for all who valued justice, peace, and a meaningful life.

The Message of Faith and Discipline

Iqbal’s poetry speaks powerfully about faith—faith in God, in oneself, and in the potential of a unified community. His famous verse, Sitaron se aage jahan aur bhi hain, abhi ishq ke imtihan aur bhi hain (There are worlds beyond the stars, and many more tests of love to come), exemplifies his belief that faith could elevate one’s spirit to new heights. Iqbal saw faith as an energizing force that could help people transcend their limitations, reach their aspirations, and maintain hope in the face of adversity.

For Iqbal, discipline was the natural partner of faith. He believed that true faith must be complemented by discipline to channel energy into productive efforts. In his view, a disciplined nation, united in its principles, would have the resilience to face any challenge, no matter how overwhelming.

Inspiring Pakistan’s Youth: Iqbal’s Enduring Legacy

Iqbal’s influence extends beyond his lifetime, continuing to inspire generations. His poetry and philosophy encourage today’s youth to take pride in their heritage, recognize their potential, and work for a prosperous future. Pakistan’s youth, often regarded as the nation’s greatest asset, can find guidance in Iqbal’s call for unity, faith, and discipline. In a world filled with distractions, his message remains clear: true progress lies in developing oneself and working together for the greater good.

Unity in Diversity: Building a Nation

Iqbal’s vision of Pakistan was one where people, regardless of ethnic or linguistic background, would come together as one. His poetry remains a symbol of this unity, speaking of brotherhood and harmony. He knew that for Pakistan to succeed, its people would have to put aside their differences and focus on a shared goal. This vision is especially relevant today, as a diverse Pakistan works toward the common ideals that Iqbal cherished.

Conclusion: Soaring Together as One Nation

Allama Iqbal’s philosophy of selfhood, unity, faith, and discipline is a timeless message. His words urge us to become better versions of ourselves and to use our strengths to build a stronger, more united Pakistan. By embracing his teachings, we can truly embody the spirit that drives a nation forward. As Pakistan continues to face challenges, Iqbal’s words serve as a reminder that by standing together with a shared vision, Pakistan can not only overcome any adversity but also soar to greater heights.

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Mufakkir-e-Pakistan Allama Muhammad Iqbal

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