Rescue Mission Resumes to Recover Dr Asma Mushtaq’s Body from Spantik Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan
The rescue operation to recover the body of Pakistani mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaq from Spantik Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan resumed on Tuesday, August 25, after weather conditions improved. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Dr Asma, 34, died on August 20 while descending Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, which rises to 7,027 metres in the Shigar district. Her body remains at a high-altitude camp on the mountain, at around 6,250 metres, according to the latest reports.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Tuesday that the rescue team had once again left the base camp and was moving towards Camp 2.
He said the team was proceeding carefully and would continue the recovery operation as long as weather conditions allowed.
The latest attempt follows several delays caused by heavy snowfall, strong winds and dangerous conditions at high altitude. Earlier, rescuers managed to approach Camp 3 but were forced to turn back because the weather made it unsafe to continue. A helicopter has also been authorised to support the recovery operation on humanitarian grounds, with coordination between the Gilgit-Baltistan government and the Force Command Northern Areas.
Dr Asma died during descent
According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP), Dr Asma had successfully reached the summit of Spantik and was reportedly in good health during the ascent.
However, she suffered a serious high-altitude medical emergency while descending at around 6,400 metres. Her mountain guides, including Akbar Ali, attempted to assist her, but she could not survive.
High-altitude environments are particularly dangerous because climbers face extremely low oxygen levels, severe cold, rapidly changing weather and other risks. Spantik’s 7,027-metre elevation makes any rescue operation especially difficult.
Difficulties in recovering her body
The recovery mission has faced repeated interruptions because of extreme weather.
A team of high-altitude porters was sent towards Camp 3 to bring Dr Asma’s body down to the base camp. However, heavy snowfall and powerful winds previously forced the team to retreat. The safety of the rescuers has remained a major concern during the operation.
The ACP has said that the recovery operation is being coordinated by Dr Asma’s expedition company in cooperation with the tourism department, local government and other relevant institutions.
The circumstances surrounding her death and the expedition company’s response are also expected to be investigated once the recovery operation has been completed.
Questions over rescue arrangements and insurance
The case has also drawn attention to the arrangements made for mountaineering expeditions in Pakistan, particularly rescue planning and insurance.
According to reports, officials have raised questions about whether the expedition operator fulfilled all the required arrangements for rescue and recovery. A Dawn report citing the Baltistan Division commissioner said the tour operator was responsible for arranging ground or helicopter rescue and insurance, and had allegedly failed to meet some requirements under the Mountaineering Rules 1999.
The issue of rescue insurance is particularly important in high-altitude expeditions. Ordinary life insurance does not necessarily cover the costs associated with specialised mountain search-and-rescue operations.
The case has therefore renewed calls for clearer rules, proper insurance coverage and better emergency arrangements for climbers attempting Pakistan’s high peaks.
Family seeks answers
Dr Asma Mushtaq was a UK-based doctor specialising in obstetrics and gynaecology. She had travelled to Pakistan for the expedition and was an experienced mountaineer.
She had previously climbed Musa ka Musalla, a 4,076-metre peak in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and had taken part in expeditions in areas including Rupal and Arandu. She reportedly hoped to attempt even higher peaks in the future.
Her death has generated considerable public attention, particularly because her body has remained on the mountain for several days while rescue teams have struggled with extreme weather.
The family has sought answers about the circumstances leading to her death and the subsequent recovery operation.
A wider challenge for Pakistan’s mountaineering sector
Pakistan is home to some of the world’s highest mountains and attracts climbers from both Pakistan and abroad. Gilgit-Baltistan remains the centre of the country’s high-altitude mountaineering industry.
However, recent incidents have highlighted the risks involved in climbing Pakistan’s highest peaks and the challenges involved in recovering climbers in extreme conditions.
The recovery of Dr Asma’s body is now dependent on a safe weather window. Authorities and rescue teams are continuing their efforts, while the wider questions surrounding expedition safety, rescue planning and insurance are likely to receive greater attention after the operation is completed.
