ISLAMABAD: Pakistani mountaineer Asma Mushtaq died after suffering a serious medical emergency while descending Spantik Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan, trekking company Karakoram Calling Treks said on Thursday.
Mushtaq had successfully reached the 7,027-metre summit of Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, before developing a high-altitude medical problem at around 6,400 metres during the descent.
She had climbed the peak with mountain guide Akbar Ali and was reportedly in good health when she reached the summit. Her guide and another expedition guide, Muhammad Amin, provided assistance despite difficult weather and high-altitude conditions.
Despite efforts to rescue and protect her, Mushtaq could not survive. The trekking company said it was coordinating with relevant authorities and her family to complete necessary arrangements.
The incident comes during Pakistan’s summer climbing season, when mountaineers from around the world attempt peaks across the Karakoram.
Meanwhile, the body of Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who went missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak on July 30, has been recovered by local porters.
Three porters from Shigar — Abuzar Ali, Muhammad Bashir and Muhammad Nadeem — located and retrieved Sakhi’s body after working through snow and debris without modern rescue equipment.
Sakhi was among 10 mountaineers reported missing after the avalanche struck the 8,051-metre Broad Peak. Eight bodies had previously been recovered, while Sakhi and a Nepali climber remained missing.
With Sakhi’s body recovered, one Nepali mountaineer is now the only climber from the group still unaccounted for. The search operation is continuing.
Alpine Club of Pakistan spokesperson Naila Kiani also confirmed Sakhi’s recovery.
The Broad Peak disaster also claimed the life of renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal ‘Nimsdai’ Purja, who was 43. Expedition organiser Elite Exped confirmed his death and expressed grief over the loss of Purja and other members of the expedition.
