The body of a 34-year-old UK-based doctor who died after successfully scaling a 7,000-metre mountain has been recovered.
Dr Asma Mushtaq, who worked in obstetrics and gynaecology at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, died while descending Spantik in Pakistan.
The experienced mountaineer had reached the 7,027-metre summit in good health before suffering a serious high-altitude medical emergency at approximately 6,400 metres.
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Her guides immediately attempted to save her but she died on 20 August, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan.
Severe snowfall, powerful winds and treacherous terrain subsequently frustrated efforts to bring her body down from the mountain.
A ground team has now recovered Dr Mushtaq’s body from beyond Camp III and begun the dangerous journey towards base camp.
Shigar deputy commissioner Sher Afzal said local mountaineers carrying her body had reached Camp II by Monday (31 Aug).
Fresh snow was continuing to fall at higher altitudes, however, threatening to cause further delays.
Pakistan’s information minister Attaullah Tarar said: “The search and rescue team has reportedly located the body of Dr Asma Mushtaq beyond Camp III.
“The team is assessing site conditions and finalising arrangements for safe recovery and controlled evacuation to base camp, considering the high-altitude terrain and associated risks.”
A six-person team of specialist high-altitude porters had made repeated attempts to reach Dr Mushtaq.
An earlier mission was suspended after heavy snowfall and strong winds forced its members to retreat from near Camp III.
When they returned, snow had reportedly buried the area where her body was believed to be lying, forcing the team to conduct an extensive search.
The recovery could only be completed on foot because helicopters are unable to operate at the altitude where Dr Mushtaq died.
A Pakistan Army helicopter has been authorised to transport her body from base camp to Skardu once the ground team completes its descent and weather conditions permit.
Dr Mushtaq, who was originally from Lahore, was part of a five-member Pakistani women’s expedition to Spantik.
Also known as Golden Peak because of the colour created by sunlight striking its rock face, it stands in the Karakoram range in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Dr Mushtaq was an experienced climber who had previously completed a winter ascent of the 4,076-metre Musa ka Musalla peak.
She was also associated with expeditions to Rupal and Arandu.
Colleagues in Birmingham remembered her as a respected and compassionate doctor devoted to women, babies and their families.
Emma Stansfield, medical director for women’s health services at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Dr Asma Mushtaq.
“Asma was a highly-respected young doctor who was deeply committed to the care of our women, babies and their families.
“Her warmth and positivity touched everyone who had the privilege to work alongside her. She will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Asma’s family and friends at this very sad time.”
The Alpine Club of Pakistan praised the courage of the mountain guides who remained with Dr Mushtaq and tried to assist her in extreme conditions.
Senior vice-president Karrar Haidri said: “The president and entire team of ACP extend their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends and loved ones of Mrs Asma Mushtaq.
“We stand with the family and the entire mountaineering community during this difficult time.”
The club said the circumstances surrounding her death and the response of the expedition company would be investigated once the teams had descended safely.
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