In a tragic incident that underscores the extreme sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces, Captain Asmad, aged 28 from Lahore, along with Sepoy Rizwan, 32 from Attock, and civilian machine operator Essa from Astore, embraced martyrdom during a snow clearance operation at Burzil Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed on Saturday.
The snow clearance operation was conducted using heavy machinery to open Burzil Pass to facilitate operational movement of forces in the area on the night between January 2 and 3, 2026. At around 2am on January 3, while the operation was underway, a sudden snow slide occurred, trapping Captain Asmad along with two soldiers and the civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department.
Rescue teams immediately launched intensive efforts under extreme weather conditions, and all four individuals were eventually recovered from beneath the snow. Despite urgent evacuation and medical attention, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, and Essa succumbed to their injuries and were declared martyred.
Burzil Pass sits on a rugged, high-altitude route linking Astore to Gurez near the Line of Control with Indian-administered Kashmir, making it strategically vital but extremely dangerous during winter months. The pass is frequently affected by severe winter conditions, often requiring intensive clearance efforts to maintain access.
ISPR stated that these brave individuals rendered the ultimate sacrifice while leading a challenging operation in extreme weather conditions. Their sacrifice and devotion to duty testifies that all ranks of Pakistan Armed Forces are determined to defend the motherland and will not hesitate to lay down their lives in the line of duty.
The nation mourns the loss of these heroes who exemplified unwavering commitment to duty even in the face of nature’s most perilous challenges.
