The body of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq has been found beyond Camp 3 on Gilgit-Baltistan’s Spantik peak, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Monday.
Tarar said the search and rescue team had located the climber’s body and was now evaluating the terrain and weather conditions before beginning the recovery. Plans were being finalised for a safe evacuation to the base camp given the dangers posed by the high-altitude environment.
Dr Asma died on August 20 after experiencing a severe medical emergency at high altitude while descending Spantik Mountain in the Karakoram range, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
The effort to recover her remains has faced repeated setbacks because of severe weather and difficult terrain. An earlier attempt was halted when heavy snowfall and strong winds forced rescuers to retreat. After conditions improved, the team resumed its journey from base camp towards Camp 2.
Several days earlier, Tarar had reported that rescuers had reached the area where Asma was believed to be located. However, heavy snowfall had covered the body, making the search particularly challenging.
The recovery plan involved high-altitude porters travelling to Camp 3, securing the remains and transporting them to base camp. Harsh weather had temporarily prevented them from carrying out the task.
A helicopter was also approved to support the operation, while the Gilgit-Baltistan government coordinated with the Force Command Northern Areas. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was kept informed of developments, with alternative arrangements prepared to facilitate the recovery mission.
