Mountaineer Murad Sadpara passes away in Broad Peak accident

GILGIT: Renowned Pakistani mountaineer Murad Sadpara has sadly passed away, as confirmed by Alpine Club Vice President Ayaz Shagri. Sadpara was fatally injured by a falling rock at Camp One during an expedition on Broad Peak, an 8,047-meter summit in the Skardu region.

Following the accident, fellow mountaineers urgently requested a helicopter rescue. In response, the Pakistan Army deployed four expert climbers to the base camp to recover Sadpara’s body.

However, the army climbers could not reach at time which resulted in Sadpara’s death where he lost the battle of life due to his fatal injuries.

Murad Sadpara was a prominent figure in the mountaineering community, recently leading a cleanup campaign on K-2. Just last week, he had successfully recovered the body of a fallen climber from K-2, further showcasing his dedication and skill.

His death is a significant loss to Pakistan’s mountaineering community. President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed profound sorrow over Sadpara’s passing and extended his condolences to the family.

Earlier, Sadpara had gone missing after successfully summiting Broad Peak.

The incident occurred as Sadpara, known for his record-breaking climbs, reportedly fell after reaching the summit, and all contact with him had been lost.

Deputy Commissioner of Shigar, Waliullah Falahi, confirmed the disappearance and stated that Army Aviation has been contacted to assist in the search and rescue efforts.

Fellow climber Naila Kiani appealed on social media for the Pakistan Army to send a team from Skardu to the Broad Peak crampon point to bring Sadpara back safely.

Sadpara was part of a Pakistani team that recently recovered the body of a porter from K2, who had perished a year earlier.

Broad Peak, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, is considered one of the “safer” eight-thousanders, standing at 8,047 meters (26,555 feet).

However, the accident has underscored the inherent dangers of high-altitude climbing.