Spantik Tragedy: Calls Grow for Immediate Recovery of Dr Asma Mushtaq’s Body

The Spantik tragedy has sparked fresh concerns over Pakistan’s mountain rescue infrastructure after the body of mountaineer Dr Asma Mushtaq reportedly remained at an altitude of around 6,400 metres following her death while descending from Spantik Peak.

Rais Khan, CEO of RK Sports Management, expressed deep concern over the situation and urged the government and relevant authorities to take immediate steps to recover the body and provide relief to Dr Asma’s family.

Dr Asma Mushtaq had successfully reached the summit of Spantik Peak before reportedly becoming unwell during her descent. Her death has since raised questions about the availability of emergency medical and rescue facilities in some of Pakistan’s most challenging mountain regions.

Calls for Immediate Rescue Operation

Rais Khan described Dr Asma as a courageous Pakistani woman who had achieved the difficult feat of summiting Spantik Peak.

He said the continued presence of her body at such a high altitude was deeply distressing for her family and the wider public.

According to the family, Rs3 million is reportedly being demanded for the recovery of the body. Khan said that if the reported demand is accurate, it raises serious humanitarian concerns, particularly given the circumstances surrounding the recovery.

He urged the government to intervene immediately and ensure that the body is brought down safely without placing an excessive financial burden on the family.

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Questions Over Mountaineering Safety Facilities

Khan also questioned whether Pakistan’s existing mountaineering infrastructure provides adequate protection to climbers who travel to some of the country’s most difficult and remote peaks.

He argued that while mountaineers pay substantial fees under different categories, the country still lacks a sufficiently developed network of rescue centres and emergency medical facilities.

Mountaineering involves significant risks, particularly at extreme elevations where medical emergencies can quickly become life-threatening. Khan called for the establishment of modern, properly equipped rescue facilities capable of responding rapidly to accidents and medical emergencies.

Calls for Medical Screening and Better Equipment

The RK Sports Management chief also urged authorities to introduce mandatory medical examinations for mountaineers before they begin expeditions.

He said climbers should receive proper guidance about the health risks associated with high-altitude environments and should have access to medical support throughout difficult expeditions.

Khan called for trained rescue teams, modern equipment, helicopters and other essential resources to be positioned where they can respond quickly when emergencies occur.

He said a coordinated rescue system would help protect both Pakistani and international mountaineers visiting the country’s mountainous regions.

Rescue Gaps Could Hurt Pakistan Tourism

Khan warned that continued incidents involving inadequate rescue arrangements could affect Pakistan’s reputation as a destination for international mountaineering and adventure tourism.

If climbers believe that emergency assistance may not be available when required, international expeditions could become less willing to travel to Pakistan’s mountains.

He said this could ultimately affect tourism-related businesses and damage the country’s international image.

Pakistan is home to some of the world’s highest peaks and attracts climbers from around the globe, making effective rescue and emergency response systems particularly important for the country’s mountaineering sector.

Government Urged to Establish Clear Rescue Policy

Rais Khan called on the government to take immediate notice of Dr Asma Mushtaq’s case and establish a clear mechanism for recovering climbers who die or become stranded in remote mountain areas.

He also urged authorities to clarify responsibility for rescue operations and associated expenses so that families are not left facing uncertainty during already difficult circumstances.

The case, he said, should serve as a reminder that Pakistan needs a stronger emergency response system for high-altitude expeditions.

The recovery of Dr Asma Mushtaq’s body is now being presented not only as a humanitarian matter but also as a test of Pakistan’s preparedness to protect mountaineers and respond effectively to emergencies in some of the country’s most challenging terrain.