A mountaineering expedition to Falak Sar Peak in Swat’s Kalam Valley ended in tragedy after local mountaineer Syed Ali Shah died during a severe snowstorm, while three climbers from Rawalpindi were injured. Authorities have recommended helicopter assistance to recover the body, which remains stranded in the high-altitude mountain terrain.
According to police and district administration officials, the accident occurred during the team’s descent from Falak Sar Peak, located at an altitude of about 19,400 feet, after they successfully reached the summit. The incident was reported several days later due to the absence of communication facilities in the remote area.
Snowstorm Turns Summit Expedition Fatal
Police said a six-member climbing team, led by local guide Syed Ali Shah of Khwazakhela, began the expedition on July 5 and reached the summit on July 10.
While descending on July 11, the group was caught in a severe snowstorm. Officials said Syed Ali Shah’s safety rope snapped, causing him to fall into a deep ravine. Fellow climbers later found him critically injured, but he died on the morning of July 12 because of severe injuries, freezing conditions and the lack of immediate medical assistance.
Due to deep snow and the difficult terrain, the team was unable to recover his body.
Three Climbers Injured
Rescue 1122 Swat said seven people were affected by the incident, including three injured climbers from Rawalpindi.
The injured—Hawar Hussain (40), Haris (22), and Haroon (27)—received initial treatment at Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Kalam before being shifted to Saidu Sharif Central Hospital for further medical care.
The remaining climbers are assisting district authorities in the ongoing recovery operation.
Helicopter Recovery Recommended
The district administration said the accident site is located in an extremely remote, snow-covered area where ground-based recovery is nearly impossible.
Officials have therefore recommended deploying a helicopter to retrieve Syed Ali Shah’s body safely.
Authorities added that communication blackouts in the Falak Sar region delayed reporting of the incident. Police, Rescue 1122, the district administration and other agencies are coordinating efforts to carry out the recovery operation.
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