Burzil Pass operation: army captain among three martyred in snow slide

ISLAMABAD: At least three people, including a Pakistan Army captain, were martyred during a snow-clearance operation at Burzil Pass in the early hours of January 3, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to the ISPR, the operation was being conducted late night between January 2 and 3 to reopen the snow-blocked Burzil Pass for operational movement when a snow slide occurred around 2am.

Captain Asmad along with two soldiers and civilian machine operator were conducting the operation.

The slide entrapped all four including Captain Asmad, 28, a resident of Lahore, Sepoy Rizwan, 32, a resident of Attock, and machine operator Essa, aresident of Astore.

All four were retrieved after an intensive rescue effort; however, the condition of Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan and machine operator Essa deteriorated and they later embraced martyrdom while one soldier survived, the ISPR said.

The snow-clearance mission was being led by Captain Asmad and involved the use of heavy machinery in extremely harsh winter conditions.

The ISPR said the individuals laid down their lives while performing duty in a challenging terrain to ensure movement of operational troops, adding that their sacrifice reflects the commitment of all ranks to defend the country and fulfil their responsibilities regardless of danger.

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