ISLAMABAD: The family of Pakistani mountaineer who was attempting to climb K2 in the winter summit has declared him dead.
Missing climbers Muhammad Ali Sadpara, Iceland’s John Snorri Sigurjónsson and Chile’s Juan Pablo Mohr Prieto were officially declared dead on Thursday in a press conference attended by the families of the climbers in Skardu.
The announcement was made by Sajid Sadpara, son of Ali Sadpara, at the end of a two-week-long search operation by Pakistani military – arguably one of the longest in the history of mountaineering. Gilgit-Baltistan Tourism Minister Raja Nasir Ali Khan were also present at the briefing.
The three climbers were last seen near the Bottleneck on K2 in Feb as they attempted to reach the summit of the Savage Mountain.
Sajid Sadpara, who was accompanying the three, had to abandon his summit bid after his oxygen regulator malfunctioned and he returned to camp 3.
Later on, search mission leads taken after scrutinising satellite images, using SAR technology and checking testimonials and timings turned out to be a sleeping bag, torn tents or sleeping pads, none of which belong to these climbers.
During a media talk, he said that: “K2 has embraced my father forever,” adding that “To all the climbers who appreciate Ali Sadpara’s achievements and look up to him, I promise that I will carry on his dreams and missions and will continue to walk in his footsteps.”
He thanked the government and the military for the rescue operation in highly hostile weather. He also thanked the Pakistani nation for their love and support and their prayers for the safety of the missing climbers.
He also tweeted stated that: “My father Ali Sadpara and other climbers are no more in this world. “To God, we all belong, and to Him, we shall return.” He also requested everyone to pray for his father’s forgiveness in the hereafter.
President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi also tweeted in which he paid tribute to Sadpara, saying “he battled nature with strength, fortitude and heroism. “I express my condolences to Ali Sadpara’s family. May Allah grant this brave man eternal place in Jannah. He battled nature with strength, fortitude and heroism. Condolences to the families & citizens, of Iceland’s John Snorri Sigurjónsson & Chile’s Juan Pablo Mohr Prieto.”
Meanwhile, K2 is considered the deadliest of the world’s five highest peaks. Around 77 climbers have so far died while attempting to scale the 8,611 metres K2 – the fact that has given it the nicknames of “Killer Mountain” and “Savage Mountain
