Renowned mountaineer Murad Sadpara passes away

Another Pakistani experienced mountaineer Murad Sadpara has passed away after he was injured during an expedition to the 8,047-metre-high Broad Peak in Skardu, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

His death was confirmed by the Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Ayaz Shigri, on Monday.

Murad Sadpara, an experienced mountaineer, was working as a guide for a Portuguese female climber during her summit of Broad Peak when he slipped at an altitude of around 5,000m after a stone hit him in the head.

The Pakistan Army swiftly responded by deploying four expert mountaineers to the base camp to assist in the rescue mission.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of the rescuers, Sadpara succumbed to his injuries before help could reach him. The rescue team is now focused on bringing his body back to the base camp.

Murad Sadpara was known for his mountaineering achievements, including the successful summiting of Nanga Parbat twice. His passing is a significant loss to the mountaineering community in Pakistan and around the world.

Sadpara was part of a team of Pakistani climbers that last week recovered the body of a porter from K2 who had died at the treacherous mountain a year earlier. 

Pakistani climber Naila Kiani wrote on Facebook on Sunday that Sadpara met an accident at Broad Peak located in northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region. “We’re requesting the Pakistan Army to send four climbers from Skardu to the Broad Peak crampon point to bring him back safely,” Kiani wrote. 

Murad Sadpara’s dead body is expected to be taken to his village by today evening.

Broad Peak is considered by mountaineers as one of the “safer” 8000-meter peaks around the world, with the route being more straightforward compared to the K2 mountain. It is the 12th highest mountain in the world standing at 8,047 meters or at 26,555 feet high. 

Pakistan is home to five of the world’s 14 mountains that loom above 8,000 meters, including K2 and Nanga Parbat, which are known for their treacherous climbs. These mountains attract climbers from all parts of the world.

According to official figures, over 8,900 foreigners visited the remote GB region in 2023 where the summer climbing season runs from early June to late August.

President Zardari mourns death

President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pakistani mountaineer Murad Sadpara.

In his condolence message to the bereaved family, the president offered his deepest sympathies on Sadpara’s passing.

The president recognized Murad Sadpara’s achievements in mountaineering and offered prayers for his forgiveness and strength for his grieving family.

–Reporter: Rozina Ali