Four women mountaineers from Gilgit-Baltistan have successfully summited the 7,027-metre Spantik Peak. The climbers reached the summit without high-altitude porter support.
Shama Baqir, Samana Rahim, Zooni Aslam and Zaiba Batool Shigri completed the climb. According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, they safely returned to Skardu.
Romanian climber Alexandra Visan also reached the summit successfully. She completed the climb while battling cancer and later returned safely.
Punjab mountaineer Ayyan Adeel also summited Spantik without porter support. He carried his own equipment with assistance from fellow expedition members.
Mountaineers Face Difficult Weather Conditions
Another expedition member, Bismah Hassan from Lahore, could not complete the climb. She turned back around 250 metres below the summit after developing a health issue.
Meanwhile, difficult weather conditions have complicated rescue operations on the mountain. Heavy rain and snowfall have created additional challenges for rescue teams.
Rescuers are also working to recover Dr. Asma Mushtaq’s body. She died while descending from Spantik and remains at Camp 3.
Rescue Team Awaits Better Weather
A six-member team of high-altitude porters reached Camp 2. However, worsening weather conditions forced the team to turn back.
Rescuers are expected to attempt the recovery again once conditions improve. Authorities continue monitoring the mountain before launching another operation.
The successful summit marks a significant achievement for the four Gilgit-Baltistan mountaineers. Their climb also highlights the growing participation of Pakistani women in high-altitude mountaineering.
