Recovery Team Reaches Suspected Location of Asma Mushtaq’s Body on Spantik | ChatZyr

A recovery team has reached the area where the body of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq is believed to be buried under heavy snow on Spantik Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said on Wednesday.

The team is continuing its search operation, but the body has not yet been recovered.

Tarar said the recovery team reached the suspected location after weather conditions improved, but heavy snowfall over the past two days had completely covered the area with snow, making the search more difficult.

The minister said the location was also spread across a large area, requiring the team to proceed carefully.

Recovery operation continues

In his latest update, Tarar said the recovery team had again left Base Camp after the weather improved and was heading towards the higher camps.

The team, comprising six high-altitude porters, has been moving cautiously as conditions permit.

By around 4pm on Wednesday, the search operation had reportedly been continuing for about two hours.

The recovery effort remains dangerous because of the extreme altitude, heavy snow and rapidly changing weather conditions on the mountain.

Mushtaq died after reaching Spantik summit

The 34-year-old climber died on August 20 while descending from Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, after suffering a serious high-altitude medical emergency.

Mushtaq had successfully reached the mountain's 7,027-metre summit and was reportedly in good health during the ascent.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, she developed a severe high-altitude condition at around 6,400 metres during the descent.

Her body was believed to be located near Camp 3, at an altitude of approximately 6,250 metres.

Bad weather delayed recovery

Efforts to retrieve Mushtaq's body had already been disrupted by severe weather.

Heavy snowfall and difficult conditions forced recovery teams to suspend earlier attempts before the mission resumed when weather conditions improved.

The latest snowfall has now covered the suspected location again, creating another major obstacle for the team.

Despite the difficulties, rescuers have reached the area and are continuing the search.

Army helicopter planned for evacuation

Once the body is successfully recovered and brought down to Base Camp, Pakistan Army helicopters are expected to assist in transporting it to Skardu.

However, the immediate priority remains locating and safely retrieving the body from the snow-covered terrain.

Officials have also stressed the importance of protecting the recovery team, given the extreme conditions at high altitude.

Five-member women's expedition

Mushtaq was part of a five-member Pakistani women's expedition that successfully climbed Spantik.

The expedition also included climbers Zoni Aslam, Zaba Shigri, Shama and Sohana, according to Alpine Club of Pakistan officials.

Mushtaq's death has highlighted the severe risks faced by climbers in the Karakoram, where high altitude, sudden weather changes and heavy snowfall can make both climbing and rescue operations extremely challenging.

The recovery mission is now focused on bringing her body safely down from the mountain.

Why it matters: The recovery team has reached the suspected location of Dr Asma Mushtaq's body, but her body has not yet been recovered. Heavy snowfall has buried the area, making the search difficult and forcing rescuers to work carefully in one of Pakistan's most challenging high-altitude environments.

Disclaimer: This report is based on information obtained from credible and publicly available sources at the time of publication. Details may evolve as further official confirmations and developments emerge.

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Written By Editorial Desk | Team ChatZyr