Search team reaches suspected location of Pakistani climber Asma Mushtaq's body on Spantik, says minister

A recovery team has reached the site where the body of Pakistani climber Asma Mushtaq is believed to be buried under snow on Spantik Peak, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced Wednesday. The operation to retrieve her remains is currently underway. Mushtaq, 34, died on August 20 during her descent from the mountain, also known as Golden Peak, after suffering from severe high-altitude sickness. Her body was reportedly at Camp 3, situated at an altitude of approximately 6,250 meters. Previous attempts to recover her body were thwarted by harsh weather conditions. Tarar stated that the search team had reached the suspected location, but heavy snowfall over the preceding two days had completely covered the body, complicating the search. The rescue team had been working for two hours as of around 4 p.m. on Wednesday, with the operation continuing. The team, composed of six high-altitude porters, had resumed its efforts on Tuesday after weather improved, following a halt on Sunday due to heavy snowfall. Mushtaq had successfully summited Spantik, reaching its 7,027-meter peak in good health, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan. However, she experienced a critical high-altitude medical emergency at about 6,400 meters during her descent. High-altitude sickness involves pulmonary and cerebral conditions arising from low oxygen levels due to rapid ascent and insufficient acclimatization. Pakistan Army helicopters are expected to airlift Mushtaq's body to Skardu once it reaches the base camp. Climate change is exacerbating difficult conditions on Karakoram Range peaks, posing significant challenges for mountaineers.

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However, because the place is very large and due to heavy snowfall over the past two days, the body is now completely covered under the snow, making it difficult to locate.