The body of a “highly respected” NHS doctor who died while descending a 7,000m mountain in Pakistan has been recovered.
Dr Asma Mushtaq, 34, had successfully reached the 7,027m summit of Spantik before she died at an altitude of around 6,400m during her descent on August 20.
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The obstetrician and gynaecologist, who worked at Birmingham’s Heartlands Hospital, was described by those who knew her as a “fearless mountaineer”.
A volunteer rescue team has now successfully brought Dr Mushtaq’s body down to Spantik base camp following a gruelling recovery operation.
Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed on Wednesday that the team had completed the mission after severe weather repeatedly hampered attempts to reach her.
Heavy snowfall and powerful winds had caused significant delays to the recovery.
Helicopters were unable to operate at the extreme altitude where Dr Mushtaq died, meaning rescuers had to carry out the retrieval on foot.
A Pakistani army helicopter was subsequently authorised to transport her body from base camp to the city of Skardu.
Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, sits in the Karakoram range and reaches 7,027m above sea level.
Although regarded as one of the more approachable mountains above 7,000m, treacherous conditions forced rescuers to wait for a sufficient break in the weather before reaching Dr Mushtaq.
Colleagues at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust have paid tribute to the doctor following her death.
Dr Emma Stansfield, medical director for women’s health services at the trust, said: “Asma was a highly respected young doctor who was deeply committed to the care of our women, babies and their families.
“Her warmth and positivity touched everyone who had the privilege to work alongside her. She will be greatly missed.”
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Originally from Lahore, Dr Mushtaq was also an experienced mountaineer and documented her adventures through a popular travel blog followed by around 90,000 people on Facebook.
She had previously reached the summit of Pakistan’s 5,585m Gondogoro Peak.
Her close friend Muhammad Abdullah told BirminghamLive: “Asma was a remarkably talented doctor, a fearless mountaineer, and, above all, a deeply cherished friend of ten years.
“Her loss leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who loved her, but her gentleness, intellect and inspiring spirit will remain with us always.”
The circumstances surrounding Dr Mushtaq’s death remain under investigation.
Early reports suggested she had suffered high-altitude sickness after reaching the summit, but the Alpine Club of Pakistan said the full circumstances remained unclear.
The organisation said: “The circumstances surrounding her death, as well as the conduct and response of the expedition company, will be fully investigated once the teams are safely down and her body has been recovered.
“Any necessary action will follow the findings of that investigation.”
The Alpine Club of Pakistan has also acknowledged that the country does not currently have a dedicated high-altitude rescue system.
A spokesman said the organisation was working with authorities to establish an effective rescue framework and strengthen Pakistan’s mountaineering infrastructure.
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