Pakistani climber's body retrieval resumes from Spantik peak after weather improves

A rescue team has resumed its trek up Pakistan's Spantik peak to recover the body of Dr. Asma Mushtaq, a 34-year-old mountaineer who died on August 20. Mushtaq succumbed to high-altitude sickness at approximately 6,250 meters while descending the 7,027-meter mountain, also known as Golden Peak, in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

Her body remains at Camp 3, and previous retrieval efforts were hampered by severe weather. However, conditions improved Tuesday, prompting rescuers to restart their operation. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced on X that the team had departed from the base camp and was heading toward Camp 2, emphasizing careful movement and prayers for their safety.

“

The rescue team has once again departed from the base camp and is now heading towards Camp 2. The team is moving carefully and will continue the operation as conditions permit. We pray for their safety and success.

Mushtaq was part of a five-member Pakistani women's expedition that successfully summited Spantik. She was reportedly in good health at the summit but developed a serious medical emergency during the descent. High-altitude sickness, a condition caused by oxygen deprivation at high altitudes, encompasses pulmonary and cerebral issues. Her mountain guides, Akbar Ali and Muhammad Amin, provided immediate assistance, but she could not be saved despite their efforts in extremely challenging conditions, according to Karrar Haidri, a senior vice president for the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP).

Once Mushtaq's body is brought to the base camp, Pakistan Army helicopters are expected to airlift it to Skardu. The ACP stated that Mushtaq had reached the summit in good health, but the rapid descent and inadequate acclimatization likely contributed to her medical emergency.

“

Despite the immediate and dedicated efforts of her mountain guides, who provided every possible ass­i­s­tance under extre­mely challenging conditions, she could not survive.