A Pakistan Army captain, a soldier, and a civilian machine operator were martyred during a snow clearance operation in Gilgit-Baltistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed the incident in an official statement.

According to ISPR, the operation was launched to clear heavy snow from Burzil Pass. The goal was to restore the route and ensure smooth operational movement of Pakistan Army forces in the area.

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The snow clearance work was carried out at night between January 2 and 3 using heavy machinery. The mission was led by Captain Asmad, aged 28, who was commanding the operation on the ground.

ISPR said that at around 2am, a sudden snow slide occurred while the operation was underway. As a result, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, aged 32, another soldier, and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department (PWD) were trapped under the snow.

Rescue teams immediately launched an intensive operation and managed to pull all four individuals out. However, the condition of Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, and machine operator Essa worsened due to severe injuries and extreme cold, and they later embraced martyrdom.

ISPR stated that the martyrs made the ultimate sacrifice while leading a difficult mission in harsh weather conditions to support the movement of forces in a sensitive area.

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The military’s media wing added that this sacrifice reflects the strong commitment and dedication of Pakistan Armed Forces, showing their readiness to lay down their lives in the line of duty to protect the country.