The recovery operation for Pakistani mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaq has been temporarily suspended because of heavy snowfall and strong winds at high altitude, with authorities waiting for a safer weather window.
Recovery Team Forced to Turn Back
The operation to retrieve the body of Pakistani mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaq from Spantik Mountain has been temporarily halted due to severe weather conditions, Federal Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Sunday.
According to the minister, high-altitude porters were expected to reach Camp 3, retrieve Mushtaq’s body and transport it down to Base Camp by Monday. However, the recovery team managed to reach close to Camp 3 before heavy snowfall and strong winds forced its members to return to Camp 2.
Tarar said authorities would continue efforts to recover the body as soon as weather conditions become suitable. He added that a helicopter had been authorised to support the retrieval mission, with the Gilgit-Baltistan government coordinating with the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA).
The minister said every possible measure would be taken under the difficult circumstances and that alternative arrangements were also in place. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also being kept informed about developments.
Body Remains at Around 6,400 Metres
The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) separately confirmed that Mushtaq’s body remains at an altitude of approximately 6,400 metres.
According to the club, the recovery team had reached Camp 2 when worsening weather forced the operation to stop. Team members were advised to return to Base Camp and wait until conditions provide a suitable window for another attempt.
The recovery effort is being coordinated by Mushtaq’s expedition company in cooperation with the Tourism Department, local authorities and the ACP. Climbers from several other expeditions have also joined the recovery effort.
The extreme altitude, snowfall and strong winds have made the mission particularly challenging. At such elevations, rapidly changing weather can significantly increase risks for rescuers and climbers, making a carefully selected weather window essential for any further attempt.
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ACP Announces Investigation
The Alpine Club of Pakistan said the circumstances surrounding Mushtaq’s death, along with the conduct and response of the expedition company, would be fully investigated.
The investigation will take place once the teams have safely descended and Mushtaq’s body has been recovered. The ACP said any necessary action would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The club has also expressed condolences to Mushtaq’s family, friends and members of the wider mountaineering community.
What Happened to Asma Mushtaq?
According to the ACP, Mushtaq died after suffering a serious high-altitude medical emergency while descending from Spantik Mountain.
Spantik, which rises to 7,027 metres, is located in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range and is among the country’s prominent high-altitude climbing destinations.
The ACP said Mushtaq had successfully reached the summit and was in good health at the time. However, during her descent at approximately 6,400 metres, she suffered a serious medical emergency.
Her mountain guides, including Akbar Ali and another guide, immediately attempted to provide assistance under extremely difficult conditions, according to a statement from Karakoram Calling Treks.
Doctor, Mountaineer and Travel Vlogger
Mushtaq was originally from Lahore and worked in Britain as a doctor specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology, according to information shared on her social media profiles.
Alongside her medical career, she pursued mountaineering and travel, documenting her adventures and expeditions online. She was also known as a traveller and vlogger who regularly shared content related to her journeys and climbing experiences.
For now, the priority remains the safe recovery of her body. Authorities and the mountaineering community are waiting for weather conditions to improve so that the retrieval team can resume its mission while minimising risks to those involved.
