Missing Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi’s body recovered on Broad Peak
The body of Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, who went missing following a deadly avalanche on Broad Peak, has been recovered by local volunteers and brought down to the mountain’s base camp, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said on Thursday.
The recovery brings some closure to the family and friends of Sakhi, who was among a 10-member international expedition caught in the avalanche on July 30.
The expedition was led by renowned British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, who was accompanied by six elite Nepali guides and other international climbers. The group lost contact after the avalanche struck the mountain, one of the highest peaks in the world.
Purja’s company later confirmed that there were no survivors from the expedition.
Seven bodies had previously been recovered, while the search for Sakhi, American climber Sarah Mallory Geis, and Nepalese climber Nawang Thindu Sherpa was suspended last week because of the continuing danger of fresh avalanches.
On Thursday, ACP member and Pakistani mountaineer Naila Kiani confirmed that Sakhi’s remains had been found by a group of local volunteers from Shigar.
According to Kiani, Muhammad Nadeem, Muhammad Bashir and Abuzar were searching the area on their own initiative when they spotted the body. They immediately alerted other people in the area before working with fellow volunteers to bring the remains down from Camp 1.
The body was located at an altitude of around 5,600 metres before being transported to Broad Peak Base Camp.
ACP General Secretary Ayaz Shigri told Dawn that the body would be transported to Skardu by Pakistan Army helicopter, provided weather conditions allowed an air operation.
The recovery operation remains challenging because of unstable conditions on the mountain. Shigri said the bodies of the two remaining missing climbers had not yet been found.
He added that rescue teams would resume their search once weather conditions improve and authorities determine that the area is safe for rescuers.
Broad Peak, located in the Karakoram range of Gilgit-Baltistan, is known for its extreme altitude, unpredictable weather and difficult climbing conditions. The latest tragedy once again highlights the risks faced by mountaineers attempting some of the world’s highest peaks.
For Sakhi’s loved ones, however, the recovery of his body provides an important final step after weeks of uncertainty. The focus now shifts to bringing him home safely and continuing efforts to locate the two climbers who remain missing.
