Originally published in The Public Purview
RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Army officer and two others were martyred after a snow avalanche struck during a snow clearance operation at Burzil Pass in the early hours of Friday, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The operation was underway on the night of January 2–3 to clear heavy snowfall and ensure operational movement of troops in the strategically important area, where extreme winter conditions had disrupted access.
Avalanche Hits During Overnight Snow Clearance
ISPR said the operation was being led by Captain Asmad, 28, a resident of Lahore, when a sudden snow slide occurred at around 2:00am. Captain Asmad, along with Sepoy Rizwan, 32, from Attock, and a civilian machine operator, Essa, a resident of Astore, were trapped under the snow.
A fourth individual, also caught in the avalanche, was rescued safely.
Rescue Efforts Launched Immediately
Following the incident, intensive rescue efforts were launched using available resources.
All four individuals were pulled out from beneath the snow; however, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, and the civilian operator later succumbed to their injuries and embraced martyrdom.
Tribute to Sacrifice in Extreme Conditions
ISPR paid tribute to the fallen personnel, stating that they laid down their lives while performing their duties in harsh weather conditions to ensure operational continuity for security forces.
“Their sacrifice reflects the unwavering commitment and devotion of Pakistan’s Armed Forces to duty, even in the most challenging environments,” the military’s media wing said.
Burzil Pass, located in a high-altitude region, remains vulnerable to avalanches during winter months, often requiring round-the-clock clearance operations to maintain access.
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