GILGIT: Three personnel, including a Captain of the Pakistan Army and a Public Works Department (PWD) machinery operator, lost their lives during an operation to clear snow from a road in the Brzal Pass area of Astor district, Gilgit-Baltistan.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the incident occurred on the night between January 2nd and 3rd, when a heavy machinery operation was underway to ensure operational mobility in the area. The snow removal operation was led by Captain Asim and was aimed at facilitating the movement of troops and military vehicles in the region.
ISPR reported that at around 2:00 AM on January 3rd, while the operation was ongoing, an avalanche struck unexpectedly, burying Captain Asim, two soldiers and a civilian PWD machinery operator under the snow.
After relentless rescue efforts, all four individuals were eventually extracted from the snow, but Captain Asim, soldier Rizwan and machinery operator Isa succumbed to their injuries and were martyred.
ISPR said these brave martyrs had led the challenging operation in extremely harsh weather conditions, sacrificing their lives to ensure the safe and efficient movement of armed forces in the area.
The statement concluded by honoring the sacrifice and professionalism of the martyrs, adding armed forces, regardless of rank, remain dedicated to defending the motherland and will not hesitate to give their lives for the fulfillment of their national duty.
