The rescue team searching for the body of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq has reached the suspected location on Spantik peak in Gilgit-Baltistan. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar shared the update on Wednesday, confirming that the team arrived at the site where the body is believed to be buried under deep snow.
Heavy snowfall over the past two days has completely covered the area, making the recovery effort extremely difficult. The minister explained that the location is large and the thick snow has hidden the body, complicating the search. Despite these challenges, the operation to retrieve the body remains active.
Dr Asma Mushtaq died on August 20 after suffering a serious high-altitude medical emergency while descending from the 7,027-metre Spantik Mountain in the Karakoram range. The Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed the tragic incident.
The recovery mission had been suspended earlier due to heavy snowfall and strong winds that forced the team to turn back near Camp 3. Weather conditions improved the following day, allowing the team to resume the operation. They left Base Camp once again and moved carefully toward Camp 2, proceeding only as conditions permitted.
High-altitude porters were earlier expected to reach Camp 3, recover the body, and bring it down to Base Camp. However, deteriorating weather prevented further progress at that stage. A helicopter has been authorised to support the retrieval efforts, with close coordination between the Gilgit-Baltistan government and the Force Command Northern Areas.
Alternative arrangements are also in place, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is being kept fully informed about the situation. The team has already spent two hours searching the snow-covered area. Authorities continue to prioritise the safety of the rescue personnel while remaining determined to bring Dr Asma Mushtaq home.
The challenging mountain conditions and ongoing snowfall mean the recovery process will take time, but the operation continues with full commitment.
