Body of Pakistani Mountaineer Recovered from Spantik Peak
The body of Pakistani mountaineer Dr. Asma Mushtaq has been recovered from Spantik Mountain after a challenging search and retrieval operation in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Dr. Mushtaq died last month while descending the 7,027-meter-high Spantik Peak in the Karakoram range. The recovery mission was delayed several times because of snowfall, strong winds, and difficult conditions at high altitude.
Shigar Deputy Commissioner Sher Afzal said local mountaineers recovered the body and began transporting it toward the mountain’s base camp.
According to the deputy commissioner, the team carrying the body has reached Camp II. However, fresh snowfall at higher elevations could affect the remaining journey.
If weather conditions remain suitable, the team is expected to reach base camp the following day.
Recovery Mission Faced Difficult Conditions
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar had earlier announced that the search team located Dr. Mushtaq’s remains beyond Camp 3 on Spantik.
Due to the challenging terrain and changing weather conditions, rescuers had to carefully plan the recovery and evacuation process. Heavy snowfall had previously covered the suspected location, making it difficult for teams to locate and retrieve the body.
At one stage, the rescue operation was suspended after strong winds and snowfall prevented the team from safely moving toward Camp 3.
The mission was later resumed from base camp after weather conditions improved, with rescuers progressing toward the higher camps.
Helicopter Support Considered
Authorities also authorized helicopter assistance as part of efforts to support the recovery operation. The Gilgit-Baltistan government coordinated with the Force Command Northern Areas regarding the arrangements.
Alternative plans were also prepared in case weather conditions prevented aerial assistance.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was kept informed about developments during the recovery effort.
The successful recovery brings an end to a difficult search operation that involved local mountaineers, rescue personnel, and government authorities working in challenging high-altitude conditions.
