French Climber Killed in Avalanche on Baltistan Peak

News Desk

Islamabad: A 40-year-old French climber was killed after being struck by an avalanche while attempting to scale Baltistan Peak in the Hoshe Valley of Ghanche district, Gilgit-Baltistan.

According to police officials, the deceased has been identified as Pierre Guillaume, a member of a three-person international expedition aiming to summit the 7,282-meter-high mountain.

Initial reports indicate that the accident occurred during the ascent when a sudden avalanche of snow and rocks swept down the slope, fatally injuring the climber at the scene.

Following the incident, authorities launched an immediate search and rescue operation. Rescue teams are currently working in the challenging terrain to reach the remaining climbers and ensure their safe evacuation.

Police officials confirmed that the deceased was a French national, while details regarding the condition of the other climbers are still being gathered.

Gilgit-Baltistan Deputy Inspector General of Police, Tufail Ahmed Mir, confirmed the incident and stated that rescue efforts remain underway, with relevant agencies closely monitoring the situation.

Officials added that the rescue operation is being conducted with extreme caution due to the area’s difficult geography and adverse weather conditions. Officials added that the rescue operation is being conducted with extreme caution due to the area’s difficult geography and adverse weather conditions. Additional input from Aaj News webiste.