In the majestic Neelum District of Azad Kashmir, Sarwali Peak stands tall, its 6,326-meter summit a testament to nature’s grandeur. This unforgiving mountain, also known as Dabbar Peak, has long been considered one of the few unconquered peaks in the region, with no confirmed ascent to date. However, its rugged beauty has come at a cost.
A Tragic Tale of Ambition and Loss
In August 2015, three local mountaineers, Imran Junaidi, Usman Khalid, and Khurram Shehzad, embarked on a journey to conquer Sarwali Peak. Their excitement and anticipation were palpable as they began their ascent. However, the mountain had other plans. The trio went missing while attempting to push through the right saddle of the mountain, leaving behind only questions and a comprehensive search operation that yielded nothing.
A Long-Awaited Recovery
Nine years later, a team of Pakistani climbers and porters has successfully retrieved the bodies of the three missing mountaineers. The recovery mission, launched on September 3, involved two dozen volunteers, including climbers, rescuers, and porters, who braved the treacherous terrain to bring down the bodies from a height of 16,000 feet.
A Brother’s Tribute
Ikram Junaidi, brother of late climber Imran Junaidi, expressed his gratitude for the recovery of his brother’s body. “Many attempts were made to find them in the past, but after nine years, we finally got news about the retrieval of the dead bodies. Being a brother and a Muslim, it was our dream to offer funeral prayers for him. Now we will get a chance.”
A Testament to Human Resilience
The recovery of the climbers’ bodies serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by those who dare to conquer the mighty mountains. Sarwali Peak, once a symbol of tragedy, now stands as a testament to human resilience and the unbreakable bond between climbers.
This is a huge achievement that after so many years, the bodies have been recovered, especially considering that during these nine years, there has been so much snowfall.