The body of Pakistani climber Dr Asma Mushtaq, who died on August 20 after suffering a serious high-altitude medical emergency while descending from the 7,027-metre-high Spantik Mountain in the Karakoram range, was airlifted from Spantik Base Camp to Skardu on Monday, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar said.
“Dr Asma Mushtaq’s body has been safely airlifted from Spantik Base Camp to Skardu following an exceptionally difficult recovery operation,” Tarar said in a statement on X.
He said the body would be transported to Lahore on the next available flight, subject to favourable weather conditions.
“We are deeply grateful to FCNA, the Arandu Volunteer Rescue Team, and everyone involved in this effort,” Tarar said.
On September 2, Tarar had said Asma’s body was safely brought to Spantik Peak Base Camp by the Arandu Volunteer Rescue Team.
The recovery operation had been a prolonged and difficult mission due to harsh weather conditions at high altitude.
The operation to retrieve her body had previously been suspended after heavy snowfall and strong winds forced the team to turn back while approaching Camp 3. When weather conditions improved, the rescue team departed from base camp again and headed toward Camp 2.
Asma died on August 20 after suffering a serious high-altitude medical emergency while descending from the 7,027-metre Spantik Mountain in the Karakoram range.
