The body of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq has been airlifted from Spantik Base Camp to Skardu following a challenging recovery operation in the Karakoram.
Information Minister Ataullah Tarar confirmed the development on Monday.
He said the body was safely transported from the base camp after rescue teams faced severe weather and difficult high-altitude conditions.
Tarar said the body will be transported to Lahore on the next available flight, subject to favourable weather conditions.
He expressed gratitude to the FCNA, the Arandu Volunteer Rescue Team and everyone involved in the recovery mission.
Recovery Operation Faced Severe Weather
The recovery operation was described as prolonged and extremely difficult because of harsh weather conditions at high altitude.
On September 2, Tarar had announced that Asma’s body had been safely brought to Spantik Peak Base Camp by the Arandu Volunteer Rescue Team.
The rescue mission had previously been suspended after heavy snowfall and strong winds forced the team to turn back while approaching Camp 3.
After weather conditions improved, the rescue team resumed its efforts and moved from the base camp towards Camp 2.
The successful airlift from Spantik Base Camp to Skardu marks another major step in the effort to return the climber’s body to her family.
Asma Mushtaq Died During Spantik Descent
Dr Asma Mushtaq died on August 20 after suffering a serious high-altitude medical emergency while descending from 7,027-metre Spantik Mountain in Pakistan’s Karakoram range.
The mountain is one of the prominent peaks in the region and presents significant challenges for climbers because of its extreme altitude and difficult terrain.
The recovery mission required coordinated efforts from volunteer rescuers and other authorities amid challenging conditions.
Following the airlift to Skardu, arrangements will now be made to transport Asma’s body to Lahore, where her family will receive her remains.
