ISLAMABAD – Renowned Pakistani climber Iftikhar Hussain Sadpara lost his life on Friday when a glacier slide struck near Camp 1 on K2, the world’s second-highest peak. The tragedy occurred around 2:30 pm as a group of climbers was making their ascent, the Alpine Club of Pakistan confirmed.
Four climbers were caught in the avalanche. While two managed to return safely to base camp, a foreign climber sustained minor injuries and is now recovering. Sadly, Sadpara could not survive the powerful snow slide.
Following the incident, a Pakistan Army helicopter was dispatched to retrieve his body, which was airlifted to Skardu. There, his family, friends, and fellow climbers gathered to pay their final respects.
Iftikhar Sadpara was widely respected in Pakistan’s mountaineering community for his skill, courage, and deep love for the mountains. His passing has been described as a huge loss to the country’s adventure and climbing world.
Pakistan is home to some of the toughest and most dangerous peaks on Earth, including five of the world’s 8,000-meter giants. This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the extreme risks faced by even the most experienced mountaineers.
Condolences have poured in from across the country, with people honoring Sadpara’s bravery and dedication. His name will be remembered alongside other legendary climbers who pushed the limits of human endurance in the Karakoram.
