During the operation, security personnel and a civilian machine operator were trapped in a snow slide.
A combination of distributed photos of machine operator Essa, Sepoy Rizwan and Captain Asmad, martyred during a snow clearing operation. Photo: ISPR
Three security personnel lost their lives in a glacier slide during a snow clearance operation at Burzil Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
According to the ISPR, the operation was carried out on the night of January 2-3, 2026, using heavy machinery, to open the Burzil Pass and facilitate operational movement of forces. The mission was led by Captain Asmad, 28, from Lahore.
“On January 3 around 2 a.m., while the operation was in progress, a glacier slipped and Captain Asmad, two soldiers and a civilian operator from the Ministry of Public Works fell under it.
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Army media said that after numerous rescue efforts, the four individuals were recovered from the snow. However, the condition of Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, 32, a resident of Attock, and the civilian operator of the machine, Essa d’Astore, deteriorated and “all three individuals embraced Shahadat”.
“These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice by carrying out a difficult operation in extreme weather conditions to facilitate the operational movement of forces,” the ISPR said, adding that their dedication to duty was a testimony to the determination of the Pakistan Armed Forces to serve the country even at the cost of their lives.
