International

IIE DIGITAL: A major rescue operation is underway in northern Pakistan after an avalanche struck an international climbing expedition on Broad Peak, leaving celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja and nine other climbers missing.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) said the avalanche hit the team on Broad Peak (8,047 metres), the world's 12th-highest mountain, in the Karakoram range. Since the incident, there has been no communication with the expedition, raising fears about the safety of all 10 members.

According to the ACP, the expedition included five climbers from Nepal, one each from Pakistan, Oman, China and the United States, along with another foreign national whose identity has not yet been disclosed.

Authorities have launched efforts to mount an aerial rescue operation, with helicopters and emergency teams on standby. However, rescue efforts remain dependent on weather conditions and operational feasibility in the high-altitude region.

Purja, 43, widely known as Nims Dai, is regarded as one of the world's most accomplished mountaineers. A former British Army serviceman, he rose to global prominence after climbing all 14 peaks above 8,000 metres in a record six months and six days in 2019. In 2021, he also played a key role in the first-ever winter ascent of K2 alongside an all-Nepali team.

Search operations are continuing as officials await any sign of contact from the missing climbers.

BREAKING: Two Bodies Recovered in Search for Missing Broad Peak Climbers, Identified as Oman’s Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy and Nepal’s Pur Bahadur Gurung.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing: The 10-member international #climbing team went missing after an avalanche… pic.twitter.com/FY569y5OG4

— Sajjad Tarakzai (@SajjadTarakzai) July 31, 2026