ISLAMABAD, Aug 02 (Alliance News): Prime Minister’s Adviser on Inter-Provincial Coordination Rana Sanaullah has expressed deep grief over the deadly avalanche that struck an international mountaineering expedition on Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, reaffirming the government’s commitment to continue search and rescue operations.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Rana Sanaullah said Pakistan shared the sorrow of the people of Nepal following the tragedy, which involved 10 climbers from five countries, including six from Nepal. He confirmed that four bodies had been recovered so far, while efforts were continuing to locate the remaining missing climbers.
The adviser said the avalanche hit an international climbing team on Broad Peak, one of Pakistan’s most prominent peaks in the Karakoram mountain range. The expedition included climbers from Nepal, Pakistan, the United States, China and Oman.
He said the Government of Pakistan immediately launched rescue operations and placed the mission among its highest priorities. Relevant authorities were mobilised to assist in locating the missing climbers and providing support to those affected.
Rana Sanaullah confirmed that four climbers, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, had been declared dead, while rescue teams continued searching for other members of the expedition who remain missing.
He said the Pakistan Army, along with government departments, was taking part in the operation using helicopters, drones and other available resources. Search teams were carrying out both aerial and ground operations in the affected area.
Despite difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions in the high-altitude region, rescue personnel continue their efforts using GPS tracking, aerial surveillance and ground-based searches, he added.
The adviser praised Nepali climbers and the wider international mountaineering community for their contributions to high-altitude climbing and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Nepal.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to continuing the rescue mission until every possible effort had been made to locate the remaining missing climbers.
