On Friday afternoon while descending from Camp 1, Iftikhar Hussain Sadpara was tragically caught up in an avalanche and died. This news was confirmed by local authorities and Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP).
At around 2:30 p.m. local time, a deadly slide struck, trapping four members of Sadpara’s climbing team: two Nepali Sherpas–Dawa Finjo and Dawa Geljen–and Niaz Ali from Skardu (Everest Today/Explorersweb/Dunya News). All were killed immediately in an instantaneous event.
According to Karrar Haidri, Senior Vice President of ACP, two members were able to reach Advanced Base Camp safely while Dawa Finjo experienced minor injuries; unfortunately Sadpara passed away as a result of this tragedy. For more information and updates, click on these news sources: ARY NEWS +7, Dunya News and Dunya News +7 (all time zones).
Pakistan Army Aviation Corps helicopter airlifted Sadpara’s body and injured sherpa from base camp to Skardu on late Saturday evening, on humanitarian grounds as approved by ACP’s President Major General Irfan Arshad (MLG-IACP). (Sources: Daily Times +15, Dawn and Dunya News).
Sadpara’s remains were returned to his family for burial at his native village, Sadpara near Skardu (Wikipedia +2) for proper observance of Hindu burial customs.
Sadpara was from Sadpara Village, known for producing elite Pakistani mountaineers. His death marks a tragic chapter in Pakistan’s mountaineering history and strikes deep chords among fellow alpinists. Major General Arshad expressed heartfelt condolences to Sadpara’s family and Pakistan’s mountaineering community while Haidri paid his unwavering spirit and dedication a touching tribute. [Business Recorder/SAMAA TV].
Pakistan has long been recognized as an ideal mountaineering destination, and this expedition further established this reputation. Last summer alone, Gilgit-Baltistan authorities issued 175 K2 climbing permits, reflecting growing interest despite its perilous past and history. Attractively priced tickets could also be found through various travel agents or agents like Travel+Travel +15 from Gilgit-Baltistan authorities who issued permits that allowed climbers access. These tours include Daily Times +15 (Dunya News +15);
K2 stands at 8,611 metres and remains one of the deadliest peaks, with an approximate fatality rate of one death out of every four summit attempts, according to Wikipedia.
Context and Legacy
Iftikhar Hussain Sadpara was part of an illustrious lineage of climbers known as Sadpara. Muhammad Ali Sadpara (deceased during a 2021 winter expedition) was perhaps their most renowned mountaineer; for more on their legacy please read Wikipedia + Geo News + Dawn +15
This tragedy illustrates the dangers that local porters and mountain professionals are exposed to on K2.
Rescue Operations and Reaction
The rescue unfolded swiftly: ground teams from the base camp reached the site quickly while Pakistan Army aviation arm completed their important airlift mission.
Ryan Waters, CEO of Mountain Professionals Expedition Outfitter told ExplorersWeb:
“We are deeply saddened by his death… our thoughts go out to his family and the local climbing community in Pakistan.”
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Daily Times + 15
Gulf Today | Daily Times | Gulf Today | Gulf Today | The News International | Dawn.
Looking Forward
The recent tragedy on K2 has reignited debate about climber safety protocols on this treacherous mountain, where sudden weather changes and unstable slopes pose continuous threats. Furthermore, this event draws attention to the sacrifices of local high-altitude workers who make foreign climbers’ journey possible.
Mountaineers from across Pakistan and abroad paid their respects on social media, remembering Sadpara’s warmth, courage, and his role in supporting expeditions.
As Skardu prepares for his funeral, alpine communities throughout Pakistan mourn his life as it represents both pride and risk inherent in mountain exploration in Karakoram.
Contact me if you would like me to add additional content regarding safety measures post-avalanche or profiles of Sadpara’s previous expeditions.