Heavy snowfall and strong winds on Spantik have forced rescuers to suspend efforts to recover the body of Pakistani mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaq, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Sunday.
The recovery team had climbed beyond Camp 2 and was approaching Camp 3 when worsening weather conditions forced it to turn back. Rescuers have been advised to return to Base Camp and wait for a suitable weather window before making another attempt.
Dr Asma’s body remains at an altitude of approximately 6,400 metres on Spantik, a 7,027-metre peak in the Karakoram range.
The ACP announced on Friday that Dr Asma had died while descending the mountain after successfully reaching its summit. The club said she suffered “serious high-altitude sickness at around 6,400 metres, which apparently led to her death”.
Authorities are also seeking approval for a helicopter “mercy mission” on humanitarian grounds, with assistance from the Pakistan Army, to support efforts to retrieve her body.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar earlier said high-altitude porters were expected to reach Camp 3 and bring Dr Asma’s body down to Base Camp by Monday.
However, severe weather, including heavy snowfall and strong winds, disrupted those plans and forced the recovery team to retreat.
The operation is expected to resume once weather and climbing conditions improve sufficiently for rescuers to proceed safely.