Snowfall halts effort to retrieve climber Asma Mushtaq’s body from Spantik

Heavy snowfall and strong winds on Sunday forced a rescue team to suspend efforts to recover the body of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq from Spantik Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan.

The 34-year-old doctor died on Thursday while descending the 7,027-metre peak, also known as Golden Peak, after suffering from high-altitude sickness. Her body remains at around 6,250-6,400 metres near Camp 3.

Baltistan Division Commissioner Kamal Khan said six high-altitude porters reached Camp 2 but were unable to proceed further because of worsening weather. Continuous snowfall, heavy rain and strong winds made it unsafe for the team to remain at the camp, forcing them to return to Base Camp.

“The safety of the recovery team remains a priority,” Khan said, adding that another attempt would be considered once weather conditions improve.

Alpine Club of Pakistan General Secretary Ayaz Shigri said the recovery team had left on Saturday and reached Camp 2 before operations were suspended because of heavy snowfall.

The team has been advised to remain at Base Camp until a suitable weather window allows the recovery mission to resume.