Local Climber Dies In K2 Avalanche, Body Airlifted To Skardu

Zeeshan Mehtab Published July 19, 2025 | 12:30 PM

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jul, 2025) An avalanche struck Camp 1 on K2, the world’s second-highest peak on Friday (July 18) at approximately 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.

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 Major General Irfan Arshad President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan and Askari Aviation for a mercy helicopter operation to repatriate the deceased.

The request was approved on humanitarian grounds and the climber's body was airlifted to Skardu.

Irfan Arshad extended his condolences to the bereaved family, friends and the mountaineering community, assuring them of full support in this time of sorrow.

Senior Vice President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Karrar Haidri also expressed grief over the loss and paid tribute to Iftikhar Hussain’s commitment and contributions to the sport of mountaineering.