Pakistani Mountaineer Dies in K2 Avalanche

SHIGAR: A Pakistani climber has lost his life after being hit by an avalanche during a mountaineering expedition on the world’s second highest peak, K2.

Shigar Deputy Commissioner Arif Hussain said that a group of four climbers were hit by an avalanche during the K2 expedition.

Three foreign climbers were rescued safely with minor injuries and have been shifted to the hospital for treatment.

Unfortunately, a Pakistani climber, identified as Muhammad Iftikhar Hussain Sadpara, could not survive the avalanche.

His body is being shifted to Skardu and he will be laid to rest in his native village Sadpara today.

DC Arif Hussain confirmed that the deceased climber, Muhammad Iftikhar, was a resident of Sadpara village, a community known for producing many renowned Pakistani climbers.

K2, located in the Karakoram Range in Gilgit-Baltistan, poses extreme risks to climbers due to its harsh weather and treacherous terrain. Despite its dangers, it continues to attract local and international climbers from around the world.

Authorities in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Diamer district confirmed that earlier this month, a Czech climber, Klora Kolochova, tragically lost her life after falling between Camp 1 and Camp 2 during an expedition on Nanga Parbat.

Kolochova, 46, was part of a seven-member international mountaineering team, which also included her husband. The group arrived in Pakistan on June 15 and reached Nanga Parbat’s base camp two days later.

According to Diamer’s Additional Deputy Commissioner Nizamuddin, members of the expedition team confirmed her death after returning to the base camp. However, her body is at the site of the fall. Authorities are currently working to identify the exact location before launching a recovery operation.

According to the Alpine Club of Pakistan, the collapse occurred around 4am local time. Rescue workers and high-altitude porters have been dispatched to the area, although recovery is expected to be difficult due to the rugged and dangerous terrain of the mountain.

Alpine Club of Pakistan Vice President Karar Haideri expressed deep sorrow over the Czech climber’s death, calling it an inspiration to mountaineers around the world.

“We are devastated by the loss of an extraordinary climber, Klara Kolochova, who conquered some of the world’s highest peaks,” Haideri said in a statement. “Our hearts go out to her family, friends and the global mountaineering community during this difficult time.”