GILGIT: Time is running out for two Japanese mountaineers who went missing on the Spantik peak in Shigar Valley as rescue workers attempt to reach them.

A team of climbers and high-altitude mountaineers launched a rescue operation from ground on Friday after bad weather thwarted an attempt of aerial rescue.

The two climbers, Ryuseki Hiraoka and Atsushi Taguchi, went missing during their attempt to summit the 7,027-metre high peak on Monday. They were located by Pakistan Army helicopters on Thursday in an aerial search operation.

Shigar Deputy Comm­issioner Waliullah Falahi told Dawn that due to the challenging terrain and weather conditions, the helicopters were unable to land or hover in the area to rescue them.

A ground team, comprising four Japanese and six local high-altitude mountaineers started the operation on Friday morning and reached camp 2 of Spantik peak by evening.

DC Falahi said the team will spend the night at camp 2 as rescue operation was not possible in the dark.

As per the plan, the team members will descend towards the potential location, 300 metres below camp 2, on Saturday morning (today) to trace the missing climbers.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...