Broad Peak Rescue Intensifies as Seven Climbers Remain Missing
SKARDU: A large-scale search operation intensified on Saturday for seven climbers still missing after a deadly avalanche struck an international expedition on Broad Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan. Experienced Pakistani mountaineers, rescue personnel and local authorities continued working in dangerous high-altitude conditions as concern grew over the fate of those trapped or swept away by the snow.
The mission entered its second day with rescuers deploying advanced drones to examine steep, crevasse-filled sections of the mountain that are difficult to reach on foot. Renowned Pakistani climber Sarbaz Khan and mountaineer Shehzad were among the specialists participating in the operation alongside international climbers and local rescue teams.
Authorities said five Nepalese climbers, one Pakistani and one Chinese national remained unaccounted for. The missing group includes celebrated Nepalese mountaineer Nirmal Purja and experienced Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi, whose disappearance has drawn widespread attention from the international climbing community.
Rescue officials reported that the bodies of three expedition members had been recovered and transferred to Skardu by Friday. The victims were identified as an Omani climber, an American woman and a Nepalese national. Officials said all available resources were being directed towards locating the remaining climbers while weather and terrain continued to restrict movement.
Drone surveillance has become central to the operation because the avalanche zone contains unstable snow, deep cracks and sharply inclined surfaces. Images collected from the air are being examined to identify possible movement, equipment, clothing or other signs that could guide ground teams towards the climbers without exposing rescuers to unnecessary danger.
The disaster occurred on July 30 when an avalanche swept through a group of climbers attempting an ascent of Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains. Ten members of the expedition were caught in the incident, triggering an urgent response involving the administrations of Shigar and Skardu, professional climbers and specialised rescue units.
Broad Peak rises more than 8,000 metres in the Karakoram range and presents severe risks even to highly trained mountaineers. Rapid weather changes, low oxygen levels, unstable ice and limited access make rescue work exceptionally difficult, while communication between teams can become unreliable at extreme altitude.
The presence of internationally recognised climbers has placed the emergency under a global spotlight and renewed discussion about Pakistan’s high-altitude rescue capacity. Gilgit-Baltistan attracts mountaineers from around the world, supporting local tourism and employment, but major accidents can place considerable pressure on aviation, medical and emergency-response resources.
Search teams are expected to continue reviewing drone footage and advancing towards the affected area whenever conditions permit. Authorities have not announced a deadline for ending the operation, and the immediate priority remains locating the seven missing climbers while protecting rescuers from further avalanches and deteriorating mountain weather.