Three Martyred in Snow Clearance Operation in Gilgit-Baltistan

ISLAMABAD: Three personnel, including an army officer, embraced martyrdom during a snow clearance operation in northern Pakistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to an ISPR press release, the operation was carried out on the night of January 2–3, 2026, to reopen the Burzil Pass in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Heavy machinery was used to clear snow in order to facilitate the operational movement of Pakistan Army troops in the area.

The operation was being led by Captain Asmad, 28, a resident of Lahore. At around 2:00am on January 3, a sudden snow slide struck the site, trapping Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department (PWD).

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After strenuous rescue efforts, all four were pulled out of the snow. However, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan (32, a resident of Attock), and machine operator Essa from Astore later succumbed to their injuries and embraced martyrdom.

ISPR paid tribute to the martyrs, stating that they laid down their lives while performing a demanding mission under extreme weather conditions. The statement added that their sacrifice reflects the unwavering commitment and devotion of Pakistan’s armed forces to safeguarding the country, even at the cost of their lives.