Pakistani Woman Mountaineer Asma Mushtaq Dies during Descent from Spantik Peak
A Pakistani woman mountaineer died after suffering a medical emergency while descending Spantik Peak in the Karakoram mountain range, a trekking company said on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by Karakoram Calling Treks, Asma Mushtaq had successfully reached the 7,027-metre summit of Spantik, also known as Golden Peak. However, she developed a serious high-altitude medical condition at an elevation of around 6,400 metres while making her descent.
Mushtaq had climbed the peak alongside her mountain guide, Akbar Ali, and was reportedly in good health when she reached the summit.
After she fell ill, Akbar Ali and another expedition guide, Muhammad Amin, provided assistance as weather conditions deteriorated and the team faced difficult high-altitude conditions, the trekking company said.
“Despite all efforts and the assistance provided at the site, Asma Mushtaq could not survive,” the company said.
The trekking company added that its guides made every possible effort to protect and assist Mushtaq following the medical emergency.
Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, stands at 7,027 metres in Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan region and is one of the prominent mountaineering destinations in the Karakoram.
Mushtaq’s death comes during Pakistan’s summer climbing season, when climbers and trekkers from across the country and abroad attempt some of the world’s highest and most challenging peaks.
Karakoram Calling Treks expressed deep condolences to Mushtaq’s family, friends and relatives and commended the guides for their efforts to assist her under extremely difficult weather and high-altitude conditions.