Army Captain, soldier martyred in Gilgit-Baltistan snow clearance operation

RAWALPINDI: A Pakistan Army captain along with a soldier, and a civilian machine operator was martyred during a snow clearance operation in Gilgit-Baltistan after a snow avalanche struck Burzil Pass, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

According to a statement by the military’s media wing, the operation was launched on the night between January 2 and 3 to clear heavy snow and reopen Burzil Pass to facilitate the operational movement of troops in the area. The mission was being carried out using heavy machinery and was led by Captain Asmad, 28.

#ISPR

Rawalpindi, 03 January, 2026

On night 2/3 January 2026, a Snow Clearance Operation was conducted, using heavy machinery to open Burzil Pass to facilitate operational movement of our forces in the area.#Pakistan #Burzil #PakistanArmy

The snow clearance operation was led… pic.twitter.com/lz97vIBZgz

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) January 3, 2026

The ISPR said that at around 2am on January 3, a sudden snow slide occurred while the operation was underway, trapping Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department (PWD).

After strenuous rescue efforts, all four were pulled out of the snow. However, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, 32, and machine operator Essa succumbed to their injuries and embraced martyrdom.

“These individuals rendered the ultimate sacrifice while leading a challenging operation in extreme weather conditions to facilitate the movement of forces,” the ISPR said, paying tribute to their devotion and sacrifice.

The statement added that the martyrdom of the fallen personnel reflects the resolve of the Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the country and fulfil their duties, even at the cost of their lives.