Search Operation Launched in Chitral After Paraglider Goes Missing
A search operation is underway in the mountainous Barum hills of Oveer Valley, Chitral, after a 55-year-old paraglider went missing during a flight amid worsening weather conditions.
The missing paraglider has been identified as Asif Mehmood, a resident of Wah Cantt.
Six Paragliders Took Off From Zaini Pass
According to Zahiruddin Baber, president of the Paragliders Association Upper Chitral, Mehmood was part of a group of six paragliders who took off from Zaini Pass near Terichmir Peak in the Hindu Kush on Thursday afternoon.
About an hour after the group began its flight, weather conditions suddenly deteriorated.
Five members of the group, including Baber, managed to land safely. However, Mehmood continued flying in the direction of Chitral city.
Radio Contact Lost After Around 90 Minutes
Baber said the association remained in radio communication with Mehmood for approximately one-and-a-half hours following take-off.
The communication signal was later lost, raising concerns about his safety.
Authorities suspect that the paraglider may have crashed or been forced to make an emergency landing somewhere in the rugged Barum hills.
Rescue Teams Begin Search
Following the report of his disappearance, Rescue 1122 teams launched a search operation in the area.
The operation had to be suspended overnight because of darkness and poor visibility. Rescue personnel resumed the search early Friday morning.
Local volunteers and officials from the administration are also assisting the rescue teams as they search the difficult mountainous terrain.
Difficult Weather Complicates Operation
The challenging geography of the Barum hills, combined with deteriorating weather and limited visibility, is making the search operation difficult.
Rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate Mehmood and determine whether he made an emergency landing or encountered an accident during the flight.
Previous Paragliding Incident in Northern Areas
Paragliding incidents have previously been reported in the mountainous northern areas of Pakistan.
Last year, two American paragliders were injured after crash-landing near Rush Lake in Gilgit’s Nagar at an altitude of approximately 4,694 metres.
Authorities and rescue teams are continuing the search for the missing paraglider in Chitral.
