RAWALPINDI: Three people, including a Pakistan Army captain and a soldier, were martyred when a sudden avalanche struck during snow-clearing operations at Burzil Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), despite severe weather conditions on the night of January 2–3, operational movement of the forces was being ensured through snow removal using heavy machinery.
The operation was led by Captain Asmad, aged 28, from Lahore. Around 2:00 AM on January 3, 2026, a large slab of snow fell, striking Captain Asmad along with two soldiers and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department.
The ISPR confirmed that three individuals were killed in the incident: Captain Asmad, soldier Rizwan, and civilian machine operator Isa. Captain Asmad, aged 28, was from Lahore while soldier Rizwan hailed from Attock, and Isa, the machine operator, was a resident of Astor.
Despite strenuous efforts, all three were extracted from under the snow in critical condition, but tragically succumbed to their injuries.
The ISPR stated that the martyrs made the ultimate sacrifice while ensuring operational movement of the forces under extremely harsh weather conditions, reflecting the commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to their duty and the nation.
