Islamabad – The Alpine Club of Pakistan has confirmed that an avalanche struck a team of climbers on Broad Peak, 8,047m, in Pakistan’s Karakoram range around midday Thursday.

According to the Alpine Club, the 10-member expedition included 5 Nepalese mountaineers led by world-renowned climber Nirmal "Nims" Purja, Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, one Omani climber, one American Mallory Geis from Texas, one Chinese national "Mr. Wang", and one other foreign climber. The entire team has reportedly been out of communication since the avalanche.

Pakistan’s Response: 
President of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, said the organization is in constant contact with the highest government authorities and all relevant agencies. 
"Every possible effort is being made to ensure that helicopter support and all available rescue resources are mobilized at the earliest opportunity, subject to weather and operational conditions".

Broad Peak is part of the Gasherbrum massif in Gilgit-Baltistan and is Pakistan’s 12th highest peak at 8,051m. Pakistan is home to 5 of the world’s 14 peaks over 8000m, including K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I and Gasherbrum-II.

Local guides, high-altitude porters, and fellow climbers at base camp are also assisting coordination efforts. Officials said the safety and well-being of all mountaineers remains the top priority and updates will follow as rescue operations progress.