The recovery operation following the deadly Broad Peak avalanche continues as authorities transfer more victims to Skardu while efforts remain underway to locate two missing climbers, including Pakistan’s Sohail Sakhi.
Five More Bodies Airlifted to Skardu
Gilgit: The bodies of five more climbers who lost their lives in the tragic avalanche on Broad Peak were airlifted to Skardu on Thursday, bringing the total number of recovered bodies transported to the city to eight.
A reception ceremony was held in their honour upon arrival, attended by Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly Speaker Imran Nadeem, senior civil and military officials, representatives of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, and local dignitaries. Participants paid tribute to the deceased climbers and acknowledged their contributions to the mountaineering community.
Following the ceremony, the bodies were transferred to the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Skardu to complete the required legal and administrative formalities.
Official Farewell Before Repatriation
According to officials, the climbers’ bodies were placed in coffins draped with the national flags of their respective countries before being accorded an official farewell.
Once the necessary documentation is completed, the bodies of the foreign climbers will be repatriated to their home countries, where funeral arrangements will be carried out by their families.
Avalanche Struck International Expedition
The tragedy occurred on July 30, when a powerful avalanche struck a 10-member international expedition attempting to summit Broad Peak. Contact with the team was lost immediately after the incident, prompting an extensive search and recovery operation in one of the world’s most challenging high-altitude environments.
The expedition was led by renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who gained global recognition after setting the record for climbing the world’s 14 highest peaks in the shortest time.
Difficult Recovery Operation
Earlier this month, the Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed that, following an exceptionally difficult and technically demanding recovery mission, the bodies of Nirmal Purja, Chinese climber Zhong Wang, and Nepali climbers Nima Sherpa and Kilu Sherpa had been successfully recovered and brought to the expedition’s base camp.
On Wednesday, rescue teams transported the bodies of Purja and three members of his team to the base camp. With Thursday’s airlift of five additional bodies to Skardu, the recovery operation has reached another significant milestone despite the extreme terrain and harsh weather conditions.
Search Continues for Two Missing Climbers
Authorities said the bodies of two climbers have yet to be recovered, including Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi. Rescue teams continue their search despite difficult weather, avalanche risks, and the challenging conditions on the mountain.
About Broad Peak
Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, stands at 8,051 metres (26,414 feet) above sea level. It is one of the world’s 14 peaks exceeding 8,000 metres and is considered among the most technically demanding mountains due to its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and frequent avalanche hazards. Every year, experienced climbers from around the world attempt to summit the peak, making it one of Pakistan’s most prominent destinations for high-altitude mountaineering.
— With additional input from APP.
