The rescue team assigned to recover the body of Pakistani climber Dr. Asma Mushtaq has arrived at the suspected location on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Spantik peak, where she is believed to be buried under snow, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on Wednesday.
In an update, the minister explained that although the team reached the designated area, the vastness of the site combined with heavy snowfall over the last two days has completely covered the body, complicating the search efforts. The operation to retrieve her remains is currently ongoing despite these challenges.
Dr. Mushtaq tragically passed away on August 20 due to a severe high-altitude medical emergency while descending from Spantik Mountain, which stands at 7,027 meters in the Karakoram range, as confirmed by the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
Earlier, the recovery mission had been halted after intense snowfall and strong winds forced the team to retreat near Camp 3. However, with improved weather conditions, the rescue operation resumed, with the team departing from Base Camp and advancing cautiously towards Camp 2, Tarar.
The minister emphasized that the team is proceeding carefully and will continue the recovery efforts as weather permits, expressing hope for their safety and success. High-altitude porters were expected to reach Camp 3 to retrieve Mushtaq’s body and transport it back to Base Camp, but worsening weather had previously impeded progress.
Additionally, a helicopter has been authorized to support the retrieval operation, coordinated between the Gilgit-Baltistan government and the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA). Alternative plans are also in place to ensure the mission’s success, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif being regularly updated on developments.
