Tarar says severe weather halts effort to retrieve mountaineer Dr Asma’s body

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar informed on Sunday that a rescue team aimed at recovering the body of Dr Asma Mushtaq from Spantik Mountain in the Karakoram range had to abort the mission due to adverse weather conditions. According to a post on social media platform X, the team had advanced near Camp-3 before the rescue operation was called off by heavy snowfall and strong winds.

Tarar clarified that high-altitude porters were anticipated to reach Camp-3 and transport Dr Asma's body down to the base camp, but the treacherous weather hampered these efforts. He disclosed that a helicopter had been authorized, and coordination was established between the Gilgit-Baltistan government and the Federal Northern Commission (FCNA). Additionally, alternative arrangements were being considered.

"We will do what we can in these conditions," Tarar stated. He further mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was being kept informed of the situation. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), Pakistani mountaineer Asma tragically lost her life during the descent from Spantik peak, which stands at an altitude of 7,027 meters within the Karakoram range.

The ACP reported that Asma had safely reached the summit of Spantik in good health. However, during her descent at around 6,400 meters, she experienced a severe high-altitude medical emergency, which proved fatal despite immediate efforts by her mountain guides.