Renowned mountaineer awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz
The widow of mountaineer Murad Sadpara receives the posthumous Sitar-e-Imtiaz, awarded in recognition of his exceptional contributions to rescue missions on the perilous slopes of the world’s highest peaks, at the Aiwan-e-Sadar in the federal capital. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Renowned mountaineer Murad Sadpara, known for his mountain-climbing feats and high-altitude rescue missions, was posthumously awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz in recognition of his services.
The prestigious award was received by his widow during the investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. Last year, Sadpara tragically lost his life while descending Broad Peak, an 8,047 metre (26,400-foot) giant mountain in the Karakoram Range. He was struck by a falling rock on his way down the mountain, sustaining fatal injuries. He had begun the climb alongside a Portuguese climber, but their ascent was cut short when his partner fell ill amid harsh weather conditions. Though a rescue team was dispatched, he passed away before help could reach him.
Sadpara's legacy is marked by his extraordinary bravery. Just weeks before his death, he played a vital role in retrieving the body of Muhammad Hassan Shigri from an altitude of 8,200m on K2 - a groundbreaking mission recognised as the first of its kind on the world's second-highest peak. The previous year, he participated in another historic recovery, bringing down the remains of an Afghan climber from Camp 3 on K2.
His unwavering courage and dedication earned him the admiration of the global mountaineering community. Special thanks were extended to all mountaineers, the FCNA, and the Gilgit-Baltistan administration for their support during the award ceremony. Acknowledgment was also extended to Patron of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, Major General Irfan Arshad, for his continued assistance to Sadpara's family during their difficult time after his passing.