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.

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 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.”