Spantik Peak snowfall blocks recovery of mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaq’s body

The body of Pakistani mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaq remains at high altitude in Gilgit-Baltistan. The 34-year-old doctor died while descending the 7,027-metre Spantik Peak, also known as Golden Peak. She was reportedly suffering from high-altitude sickness after reaching the summit, and her body is at a high-altitude camp.

Rescue team forced to turn back

A team of six high-altitude porters reached Camp 2 and tried to move towards Camp 3. However, heavy rain, snowfall and powerful winds forced the team to abandon the attempt and return to Base Camp.

“Due to continuous heavy snowfall and extremely strong winds, conditions have become very dangerous and risky,” he said. “The rescue team could not safely remain at Camp 2, therefore, the entire rescue team had to turn back.”

Baltistan Division Commissioner Kamal Khan said the team reached Base Camp safely. He added that another recovery attempt would be considered when weather conditions become safer.

Weather remains the biggest challenge

“The mission is being undertaken under extremely challenging high-altitude and weather conditions, and the safety of the recovery team remains a priority,” he said. The Alpine Club of Pakistan also said the recovery team had been advised to wait for a suitable weather window.

The recovery operation is being coordinated by Dr Mushtaq’s expedition company with support from the tourism department, local government and the Alpine Club of Pakistan. A possible helicopter rescue mission on humanitarian grounds was also being considered with Pakistan Army support.

Investigation planned after recovery

The Alpine Club said Dr Mushtaq’s death followed high-altitude sickness after she summited the mountain. It added that the circumstances of her death and the expedition company’s response would be investigated after the teams return safely and her body is recovered.

“ The circumstances surrounding her death, as well as the conduct and response of the expedition company, will be fully investigated once the teams are safely down and her body has been recovered.” Any necessary action will be taken based on the investigation’s findings.

The recovery mission remains difficult because of extreme altitude, snowfall and strong winds. For now, rescuers are prioritising their own safety while waiting for better weather conditions.

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