Renowned Pakistani mountaineer Iftikhar Sadpara lost his life in an avalanche on K2, the world’s second-highest peak. The accident happened during a challenging expedition on the mountain.
Local authorities confirmed that Sadpara was buried under a heavy snow mass caused by the avalanche. Rescue teams later recovered his body and transported it to Skardu by helicopter. He is scheduled to be laid to rest in his ancestral village, Sadpara, later today.
Three foreign climbers accompanying Sadpara suffered minor injuries in the incident. They were safely evacuated and given medical treatment. The rescue operation was coordinated by local officials in partnership with international agencies.
Iftikhar Sadpara was highly respected in Pakistan’s mountaineering community. He came from Sadpara village near Skardu, a place known for producing skilled climbers. His dedication to high-altitude mountaineering earned him admiration across the country.
Sadpara’s death comes as a painful reminder of the risks involved in climbing K2. The mountain is infamous for its difficult conditions and dangerous weather.
The Sadpara family name is synonymous with Pakistan’s mountaineering achievements. Iftikhar was inspired by the late Mohammad Ali Sadpara, a legendary climber who died during the 2021 winter K2 expedition.
Ali Sadpara and two other climbers disappeared while attempting to summit K2 in February 2021. Their bodies were found months later near Camp 4 by Sajid Sadpara, Ali’s son.
Sajid Sadpara has since climbed K2 twice and continues to honor his father’s legacy. He shared that the climbers’ bodies remain on K2, buried there as per mountaineering tradition.
Mohammad Ali Sadpara was the only Pakistani to have climbed eight peaks above 8,000 meters. His achievements set a high standard for Pakistani climbers like Iftikhar Sadpara.
The recent tragedy highlights the dangers of climbing K2, where many have lost their lives chasing the dream of reaching the summit.
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