RAWALPINDI (MNN); Two Pakistan Army soldiers and a civilian machine operator were martyred after being trapped in an avalanche at Burzil Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, the military’s media wing said on Saturday.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a snow-clearing operation was launched on the night of January 2 under the leadership of Captain Asmad Gulfam to ensure the movement of troops in the area. The operation continued into the early hours of Saturday.
The ISPR said that at around 2am on January 3, 2026, a sudden snow slide occurred while the operation was underway, trapping Captain Asmad Gulfam, two soldiers and a civilian machine operator.
Rescue teams managed to pull four individuals out of the snow. However, the condition of Captain Asmad Gulfam, Sepoy Rizwan of Attock, and civilian machine operator Essa from Astore worsened, and all three later embraced martyrdom.
The ISPR paid tribute to the martyrs, saying they made the ultimate sacrifice while leading a difficult operation under extremely harsh weather conditions to facilitate the operational movement of forces.
The statement added that their bravery and devotion to duty reflect the unwavering resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces to safeguard the country and to lay down their lives in the line of duty when required.
