During a snow removal operation in Gilgit-Baltistan, an army captain, soldier, and civilian operator were killed.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday, three members of the Pakistan Army have accepted martyrdom after a snow slide occurred during a nighttime snow removal operation at Burzil Pass.

In order to open the high-altitude Burzil Pass and enable the operational movement of soldiers in the area, the operation was conducted early on Saturday morning to remove heavy snow using machinery. In the northern part of Gilgit-Baltistan, Burzil Pass is frequently impacted by harsh winter weather, necessitating extensive clearance work to keep access.

Captain Asmad, a 28-year-old Lahore local, commanded the mission, according to ISPR. Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department were trapped when a rapid snow slide happened at around two in the morning on January 3rd, while the operation was in progress.

In the face of severe weather, rescue crews started working hard right away. Eventually, all four of them were found under the snow. However, during the rescue and evacuation, the health of Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, a 32-year-old Attock native, and the civilian machine operator, Essa, a resident of Astore, declined. Later, all three were pronounced martyrs after passing away from their wounds.

According to ISPR, the staff was working to maintain operational movement in the region despite difficult terrain and inclement weather. Given the necessity of reopening the pass, the project required heavy equipment and nighttime labor.

The statement further highlighted the dangers of winter operations in hilly areas by stating that the deceased captain, soldier, and civilian operator were performing their responsibilities at the time of the event.

Burzil Pass is still one of the north’s most strategically important but weather-prone routes, especially in the dead of winter.