Broad Peak tragedy: Islamabad vigil pays tribute to fallen mountaineers

ISLAMABAD: Gilgit-Baltistan civil society organised a candlelight vigil in Islamabad to pay tribute to the mountaineers who lost their lives in the recent avalanche on Broad Peak. A large number of citizens from different walks of life attended the event and expressed solidarity with the families, communities and mountaineering fraternity mourning the loss.

The Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan also attended the vigil and paid tribute to the fallen mountaineers, recognising their courage, passion and contribution to the mountaineering community.

Veteran Pakistani mountaineers, including Nazir Sabir and Ashraf Aman, were among those who attended the candlelight vigil. They paid tribute to all the mountaineers who lost their lives and expressed their deep sorrow over the tragedy.

Speaking at the event, Nazir Sabir and Ashraf Aman paid tribute to the young mountaineers, particularly Sohail Sakhi, and acknowledged their courage, dedication and love for the mountains. They described the loss as a profound tragedy for Pakistan and a great loss to the global mountaineering fraternity.

The speakers highlighted that the mountains have long been a source of pride, inspiration and identity for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan. They stressed the importance of remembering those who dedicate their lives to mountaineering and of standing with their families and communities during this difficult time.

The candlelight vigil provided an opportunity for citizens, mountaineers, diplomats and members of civil society to come together in remembrance and solidarity. Participants lit candles and observed a moment of silence in honour of all those who lost their lives on Broad Peak.

Gilgit-Baltistan Civil Society extends its deepest condolences to the families of the fallen mountaineers and pays tribute to their courage, spirit and enduring contribution to the mountaineering fraternity.