ISLAMABAD: In a tragic incident amid extreme winter conditions, threepersonnel including a Pakistan Army captain embraced martyrdom during asnow clearance operation at the strategically vital Burzil Pass inGilgit-Baltistan on the night of January 2-3, 2026. The operation, aimed atreopening the high-altitude pass for operational movement of forces, wasstruck by a sudden snow slide around 2am on January 3, leading to theultimate sacrifice of Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan and civilian machineoperator Essa.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed that the mission wasled by 28-year-old Captain Asmad, a resident of Lahore, who demonstratedexceptional leadership in harsh terrain and severe weather. Heavy machinerywas deployed to clear accumulated snow, essential for maintainingaccessibility in the region where passes often remain blocked for monthsdue to heavy snowfall and avalanche risks prevalent in northern areas.
At approximately 2am, a massive snow slide triggered unexpectedly,entrapping Captain Asmad along with two soldiers and the civilian operatorfrom the Public Works Department. Intensive rescue efforts were immediatelylaunched by fellow troops on site, successfully extracting all fourindividuals from beneath layers of snow in challenging nighttime conditionswith sub-zero temperatures.
Despite prompt medical evacuation and treatment, the conditions of CaptainAsmad, 32-year-old Sepoy Rizwan from Attock, and machine operator Essa fromAstore deteriorated critically, resulting in their martyrdom. The fourthindividual recovered, highlighting the perilous nature of such operationswhere survival rates in avalanches can be low due to hypothermia and trauma.
Burzil Pass, situated at an elevation of over 13,800 feet and approximately178 kilometres from Gilgit, serves as a critical route connecting remotevalleys and facilitating military logistics as well as civilian movement.It supports around 61 villages with a population of 15,000 and sees 50,000to 60,000 vehicles annually during open seasons, underscoring its strategicand socioeconomic importance.
Historical data indicates that Burzil Pass remains snow-bound from Octoberto April, necessitating regular clearance by Pakistan Army engineers usingbulldozers and specialised equipment. Past operations have successfullyreopened the pass multiple times, but the inherent risks of avalanches inGilgit-Baltistan, a region prone to glacial movements and heavyprecipitation, remain a constant threat to personnel involved.
The ISPR emphasised that the martyred individuals rendered the ultimatesacrifice while performing a challenging task to ensure uninterruptedoperational mobility. Their devotion exemplifies the unwavering commitmentof Pakistan Armed Forces ranks to defend the motherland, often in the mostadverse conditions without hesitation.
This incident echoes previous tragedies in northern Pakistan, such asavalanches claiming lives in Astore and Shounter Pass, where nomadic groupsand security forces have faced similar perils. It reinforces the need foradvanced avalanche forecasting and safety protocols, though operationalnecessities in border areas demand such risky endeavours.
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Nationwide tributes poured in for the martyrs, with military leadershippaying homage to their bravery. The sacrifices highlight the human cost ofmaintaining national security infrastructure in one of the world’s mostrugged terrains, where troops routinely operate in extreme altitudes andweather.
The successful reopening of Burzil Pass despite the tragedy ensurescontinued access for local communities and forces, a testament to theresilience and determination of the Pakistan Army in serving both defenceand civilian needs in remote regions.
Source:https://www.geo.tv/latest/643063-army-officer-soldier-among-three-martyred-in-gb-snow-clearance-operation
Tags: Pakistan Army, Burzil Pass, Gilgit-Baltistan, ISPR, Captain Asmad,Sepoy Rizwan
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