Samiya Rafiq


Samiya Mirza is a Pakistani elite trekker. She is the first female elite trekker to attempt Khurdopin pass, the highest pass of the Karakoram range, in the winter of 2016.

Early life

Born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Rafiq spent most of her childhood in outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking trails with her father. When not climbing, Rafiq is an entrepreneur and social worker. She married Mirza Ali.

Climbing career

Samiya began her climbing activity in the Northern Pakistan. In 2016 she attempted to ascent an unclimbed peak in the vicinity of Khurodpin pass. She and Qudrat ali pushed on up through the pass, which is the highest pass in the Karakorum mountain range at 5790 meters. The expedition began on December 24, 2016 and concluded on January 6, 2017.

I Run For Smile

Samiya has contributed in several projects as a CEO and Marathon Director of "I Run For Smile", her famous intitiative, and she is the pioneer of "High Altitude Marathon Khunjerab Pass" in Pakistan and other marathon races. She is currently undertaking this latest "Marathon Project", and giving opportunity to the potential runners and equal opportunity to males and females, who are unprivileged. Through this unique project, she is promoting gender equality and women empowerment "Know Your Worth".

Milestone Achieved

2017 - High Altitude Marathon Khunjerab Pass - 24 May