Army captain, three others martyred in Burzil Pass snow removal operation
A combination of handout photos of machine operator Essa, Sepoy Rizwan and Captain Asmad, who were martyred during a snow clearance operation. Photo: ISPR
Three security personnel lost their lives in glacier slide during snow removal operation at Burzil Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
According to the ISPR, the operation was being carrying out on the night of January 2–3, 2026, using heavy machinery, to open Burzil Pass and facilitate the operational movement of forces. The mission was led by Captain Asmad, 28, who hailed from Lahore.
“At around 2 am on January 3, while the operation was ongoing, a glacier slid as a result Captain Asmad, two soldiers and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department came under it.
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The military’s media wing said that after extensive rescue efforts, all four individuals were recovered from the snow. However, the condition of Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, 32, a resident of Attock, and the civilian machine operator, Essa from Astore, deteriorated, and 'all three individuals embraced Shahadat'.
“These individuals rendered the ultimate sacrifice by leading a challenging operation in extreme weather conditions to facilitate operational movement of forces,” the ISPR said, adding that their devotion to duty was a testament to the resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces to serve the country, even at the cost of their lives.