Discovery Made by Local Shepherd Brings Closure to Decades-Long Mystery
In a striking reminder of nature’s hidden timelines, the body of Nasiruddin, a man who went missing 28 years ago, has been recovered from a melting glacier in Kohistan. The discovery, made on August 1 by a local shepherd Umar Khan, has brought both heartbreak and long-awaited closure to a family that had lived in uncertainty for nearly three decades.
Nasiruddin, a resident of Palas, disappeared in 1997 while returning from Sapat Valley. According to family accounts, he had fallen into a crevasse along with his horse during the treacherous journey. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him was ever found—until now.
“The body was completely intact,” said Umar Khan. “Even the clothes were not torn.” The shepherd and his companions found a National Identity Card on the body, bearing the name Nasiruddin, providing the first clue to his identity.
Police have confirmed the recovery and are conducting a DNA test to verify the remains. However, early indicators, including physical resemblance and the ID card, strongly suggest that it is indeed Nasiruddin.
Family Grieves, Finds Peace After Decades of Uncertainty
For Nasiruddin’s family, the discovery has brought a mix of grief, relief, and emotional closure. “For 28 years, we lived with questions,” a relative said. “Now, at least we have answers.” His widow and two children, who have spent most of their lives not knowing what became of him, now have a final chapter to their story.
The disappearance came at a turbulent time for the family. Nasiruddin had left Palas following the honour killing of his brother, Gardezi, which had forced the family into hiding and displacement. His tragic end remained a painful mystery—until the glacier, slowly retreating due to climate change, revealed what it had kept hidden for decades.
Experts note that the body’s remarkable preservation was due to the cold, dry conditions within the glacier, effectively freezing Nasiruddin in time.
This rare discovery underscores the silent but powerful impact of climate change, not only on the environment but also on human histories lost—and found—within nature’s icy grip.
