Renowned Pakistani mountaineer Murad Sadpara has gone missing after successfully reaching the summit of Broad Peak, one of the world’s highest mountains. Reports suggest that he fell during his descent shortly after summiting and lost contact with his team.

Deputy Commissioner of Shigar, Waliullah Falahi, has confirmed Sadpara’s disappearance and announced that Army Aviation has been called in to assist with the urgent search and rescue operation. Fellow climber Naila Kiani has appealed on social media for the Pakistan Army to send a rescue team from Skardu to Broad Peak’s crampon point to aid in the search.

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Murad Sadpara, known for his record-breaking climbs, was part of a team that recently recovered the body of a porter who had died on K2 a year earlier. His disappearance has deeply affected the mountaineering community, highlighting the ongoing dangers of high-altitude climbing, even on peaks considered relatively safer.

Broad Peak, located in the Gilgit-Baltistan region, is 8,047 meters (26,555 feet) high and is regarded as one of the less dangerous eight-thousanders. This incident underscores the risks involved in such extreme environments.

Mountaineer Abid Sadpara has called for public support in prayers for Murad and has voiced frustration on social media over the slow response to their requests for help.

Pakistan, with five of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, remains a major destination for climbers. In 2023, over 8,900 foreign climbers visited Gilgit-Baltistan during the summer season, which runs from early June to late August.

As the search continues, there is hope for the safe return of Murad Sadpara, whose adventurous spirit has inspired climbers globally.