During the operation, the security personnel and the civil engineer were trapped in a snow avalanche.
A combination of photographs distributed of the Essa machine operator, Sepoy Rizwan and Captain Asmad, who were martyred during a snow removal operation. Photo: ISPR
Three security personnel lost their lives in a glacier slide during a snow removal operation at Burzil Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
According to the ISPR, the operation was being carried out on the night of January 2-3, 2026, using heavy machinery, to open the Burzil Pass and facilitate the operational movement of forces. The mission was led by Captain Asmad, 28, originally from Lahore.
“At around 2 a.m. on January 3, while the operation was underway, a glacier slid and Captain Asmad, two soldiers and a civilian engineer from the Public Works Department fell beneath it.
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The military’s media wing said that after extensive 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 machine’s civilian operator, Essa of Astore, deteriorated and “the three individuals embraced Shahadat.”
“These individuals made the ultimate sacrifice by leading a challenging operation in extreme weather conditions to facilitate operational movement of forces,” the ISPR said, adding that their devotion to duty was a testament to the determination of the Pakistan Armed Forces to serve the country, even at the cost of their lives.
