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Arab News
6 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Pakistani climber killed, foreigner injured in K2 avalanche
ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani climber named Iftikhar Hussain was killed this week and a foreigner sustained injuries after an avalanche struck Camp 1 at K2, the world's second-highest peak, state-run media reported. The incident took place on Friday when the camp was struck by an avalanche at approximately 2:30 pm, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report, citing a press release from the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) on Saturday. The state media said that the avalanche occurred around 500 meters above the base camp, catching four climbers in its path. Two managed to return safely to the Advance Base Camp, while the foreign climber suffered minor injuries. 'Local climber Iftikhar Hussain, a resident of Sadpara, Skardu, lost his life in the incident,' APP reported on Saturday. 'His body was recovered and brought down to the base camp.' Standing at 8,611 meters (28,251 feet) on the Pakistan-China border, K2 is 238 meters shorter than Everest but is considered technically more challenging— earning it the nickname 'Savage Mountain.' Following the incident, the expedition outfitter submitted a formal request to Major General Irfan Arshad, the president of the ACP and Askari Aviation, for a mercy helicopter operation to repatriate the deceased. The request was approved on humanitarian grounds, after which Hussain's body was airlifted to Skardu in northern Pakistan. Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region is home to some of the tallest peaks in the world and a major tourist destination. Thousands of tourists and foreign climbers visit the region each year for expeditions on various peaks, paragliding and other sports activities. Pakistan has produced several professional climbers, both men and women, who have summited some of the world's tallest peaks in recent years.
Business Recorder
6 days ago
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Pakistani climber dies in K2 avalanche, body airlifted to Skardu
An avalanche struck Camp 1 on K2, the world's second-highest peak on Friday at around 2:30 pm, resulting in the tragic death of a local climber and minor injuries to a foreign mountaineer, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Saturday. The avalanche occurred around 500 meters above the base camp, catching four climbers in its path. Two managed to return safely to the Advance Base Camp, while one foreign climber suffered minor injuries, the ACP said. Local climber Iftikhar Hussain, a resident of Sadpara, Skardu, lost his life in the incident. His body was recovered and brought down to the base camp. ACP/File Following the incident, the expedition outfitter submitted a formal request to ACP President Major General Irfan Arshad and Askari Aviation for a helicopter operation to repatriate the deceased's body. The request was approved on humanitarian grounds and the climber's body was airlifted to Skardu. Arshad extended his condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the mountaineering community, assuring them of full support in this time of sorrow. ACP/File ACP Senior Vice President Karrar Haidri also expressed grief over the loss and paid tribute to Iftikhar's commitment and contributions to the sport of mountaineering. Sharing the news of Iftikhar's death, mountaineer and trekker Dr Sana Jamil said she was heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of 'a dear brother and an extraordinary mountaineer'. Speaking to Business Recorder, she said: 'His loss a tragedy for the entire mountaineering community of Pakistan. A soul so full of life, love, and generosity… gone too soon. He leaves behind his beloved wife and children — my heart goes out to them in this unimaginable grief.' Czech mountaineer dies on 'killer mountain' Reminiscing the victim, Dr Sana said Iftikhar was more than just a fellow climber. He was family in the mountains, she maintained. 'We shared unforgettable moments during our last West Muztagh La expedition. He stood by me like a rock through every challenge. He was a man of immense strength, unshakable courage, and a heart so kind it could warm even the harshest alpine night. 'Iftikhar bhai, I will forever carry the memories of laughter, silence, and summit struggles we shared. Thank you for being the person you were. May your spirit forever dance with the winds on the peaks you loved.'
