Witnessing the environmental degradation of that magical landscape was perhaps the turning point in her consciousness.

`It was then that I fully understood the elemental power of nature and felt compelled by an inner urge to preserve and protect the environment,` she said in one of her statements.

Since then, Ms Khan has led and coordinated multiple efforts to restore and preserve the high mountain regions of Pakistan in ways that benefited local economies and empowered their people. She has also brought together organisations, individuals and governments to combat climate change in Pakistan.

Ms Khan established the Mountain and Glacier Protection Organisation (MGPO).

Her first project was organising six weeks of cleaning trails and campsites on the path to K2, followed by six weel(s of creating three sustainable campsites, which are managed and maintained by local residents. Staff Reporter