ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters have joined the search-and-rescue operation for 10 international climbers, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal "Nims" Purja, who went missing after an avalanche hit Broad Peak in the Karakoram range, according to the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) on Friday.
According to the ACP, the avalanche hit the expedition around midday on Thursday. The club said the 10-member team has remained out of communication since the incident.
The missing climbers include five Nepalese mountaineers led by Purja, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, Omani mountaineer Nathira, American climber Mallory Geis, Chinese climber Wang, and another foreign climber.
In a statement, the ACP said its president, Maj. Gen. Irfan Arshad, along with the club's senior leadership, had remained in contact with government authorities and relevant agencies to facilitate an immediate rescue operation.
The club later confirmed that two Pakistan Army Aviation rescue helicopters, carrying rescue personnel and specialized equipment, had been dispatched to support the ongoing search.
"The helicopters are reinforcing efforts on the ground to assist the stranded climbers and enhance the effectiveness of the operation in the challenging high-altitude environment," the ACP said.
The club thanked Pakistan Army Aviation and all agencies involved for their swift response and said it remained hopeful for the safe recovery of the missing climbers.
"The Alpine Club of Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with all concerned stakeholders," it said, adding that it stood in solidarity with the climbers' families and the international mountaineering community.
Purja, 43, is regarded as one of the world's most accomplished mountaineers. He gained international recognition after climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in six months and six days in 2019, a feat that was later featured in the Netflix documentary 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible.
