On 24th May 2025, Saad Munawar stood on the highest point on Earth. The summit of Mount Everest (North Face route) had tested him in ways few people can imagine. The wind was fierce, the oxygen thin, and the temperature brutally cold. Yet he made history as the first and only Pakistani to summit the North Face of Everest.
But every great achievement has a cost.
On 10th July 2025, Saad said goodbye to parts of two of his fingers.
This is not a story of loss.
This is a story of faith, resilience, responsibility, and gratitude.
The Summit: A Dream Fulfilled
Climbing Everest from the North Face is one of the toughest mountaineering challenges in the world. It demands physical strength, mental toughness, and deep spiritual grounding. Saad prepared for years — through training, discipline, sacrifice, and unwavering belief.
When he reached the summit on 24th May 2025, it was not just his victory. It was a victory for Pakistan. It was proof that with faith and hard work, no peak is too high.
But the mountain always demands respect.
Four Days in the Death Zone
Saad spent four days in the Death Zone — the area above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are dangerously low. Three of those nights were spent at an altitude of 8,300 meters and above.
At such heights:
- The body begins to shut down.
- Simple decisions become difficult.
- Frostbite becomes a real and silent danger.
- Every step feels heavier than the last.
Looking back, Saad openly admits that he refused to turn around when he should have. In extreme environments, even small miscalculations can have serious consequences. Fatigue, limited oxygen, and the intense desire to achieve a lifelong goal can affect judgment.
Eventually, the price had to be paid.
The Price: A Finger and a Half
Due to prolonged exposure in extreme cold and time spent at high altitude, frostbite affected parts of two of his fingers. Despite medical care and patience, on 10th July 2025, he had to undergo surgery and say goodbye to those damaged parts.
It was the most challenging injury of his life.
Yet, his perspective remained powerful.
As Rizwan bhai often says:
“Ya to win hota hai ya learn hota hai.”
(Either you win, or you learn.)
In Saad’s case — win bhi ho gaya, aur learn bhi.
He achieved the summit.
And he learned lessons that only the mountains can teach.
Gratitude Above All
Through every stage — from summit to surgery — Saad never allowed sadness or regret to take over his heart.
He says:
“I am thankful to ALLAH Pak that I didn’t have to pay a bigger price.”
Sometimes we become upset over small problems, not realizing that they may have saved us from something far worse.
Saad never thought:
“If only this had happened…”
“If only I had done that…”
Instead, he believes:
“Whatever ALLAH SWT has chosen for me will always take me to the right place, both in this world and the next.”
His faith kept him strong. He never felt depressed. He never felt defeated. He accepted the outcome with patience and trust.
And that made all the difference.
No Regret. No Pause. No Excuses.
What makes this story even more powerful is what happened next.
The injury did not stop him.
- June – Russia (Europe): Continued guiding expeditions.
- July & August – Pakistan (Asia): Worked on local climbs and development initiatives.
- October – Tanzania (Africa): Continued professional mountain guiding.
He kept working.
He kept serving.
He kept showing up.
Saad also:
- Continued working on development projects.
- Continued writing his new book.
- Continued fulfilling family responsibilities.
- Continued supporting his community.
The mountain took a finger and a half — but it did not take his spirit.
The Power of Support
Saad openly acknowledges that none of this would have been possible without:
- The love of his family
- The prayers of his friends
- The support of his community
Recovery is never a solo journey. Behind every climber stands a team of people who believe, pray, and encourage.
He remains deeply grateful for every message, every dua, and every kind word.
Lessons from the Mountain
This journey teaches us powerful lessons:
- Success comes with sacrifice.
- Sometimes we win. Sometimes we learn.
- Small losses can protect us from bigger ones.
- Faith makes even the hardest trials bearable.
- True strength is continuing forward after hardship.
Mountains do not just test your body — they test your character.
And Saad Munawar’s character stood taller than Everest itself.
A Message of Faith and Patriotism
Above everything, Saad gives credit where it belongs:
“All praises be to ALLAH and Him only.”
His journey is not just personal. It represents hope, courage, and belief for young Pakistanis who dare to dream big.
He proved that Pakistanis can stand on the highest and hardest peaks in the world — not just physically, but morally and spiritually.
Pakistan Zindabad!
Moving Forward
As Saad continues to adapt to this new challenge, he asks for continued prayers and support. The journey does not end at the summit. In many ways, it has only begun.
The mountain took something small.
But it gave something far greater:
- Wisdom
- Humility
- Strength
- Deeper faith
And perhaps most importantly — perspective.
Conclusion
A finger and a half is a price.But it is not a defeat.It is a reminder that greatness requires courage.That faith turns pain into purpose.And that true victory is not just reaching the top — it is how you carry yourself when you come down.
Saad Munawar’s story is not about what he lost.It is about what he gained.And this is only the beginning.
