Spantik Mountain recovery efforts halted by severe weather

Efforts to recover the body of Pakistani mountaineer Dr. Asma Mushtaq from Spantik Mountain have been temporarily suspended due to severe weather, including heavy snowfall and strong winds. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar reported that a team of high-altitude porters reached near Camp 3 but was forced to retreat to Camp 2 due to deteriorating conditions.

Dr. Mushtaq, a UK-based obstetrician and gynecologist originally from Lahore, died at approximately 6,400 meters during her descent after successfully summiting the 7,027-meter peak. The Alpine Club of Pakistan stated she suffered a “serious high-altitude medical emergency” during the descent.

The recovery operation is being coordinated by the Gilgit-Baltistan government, the Force Command Northern Areas, and the Alpine Club of Pakistan. The government has authorized a helicopter to assist the mission, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is being kept updated on the situation. The Alpine Club of Pakistan has also announced that an investigation into the circumstances of her death and the conduct of the expedition company will be conducted once the recovery is complete.