4 bodies located after 10 climbers go missing on Broad Peak: sources 

Islamabad (Web Desk): Four climbers were confirmed dead on Friday after rescue teams located their bodies on Broad Peak, where a powerful avalanche struck a day earlier in Pakistan's Karakoram mountain range.

At least 10 climbers are believed to have been swept away by an avalanche on the 8,051-metre (26,414-foot) peak, the world's 12th-highest mountain, around midday on Thursday

Search and rescue operations were underway in the Karakoram Range after a massive avalanche swept across Broad Peak (8,047 metres) on Thursday afternoon, cutting off contact with an international group of ten climbers, the Alpine Club of Pakistan (ACP) confirmed.

Rescue teams are pressing ahead with the operation despite the challenging terrain and harsh weather that continue to hamper efforts to locate the remaining climbers.

The missing expedition was headed by celebrated Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, popularly known as "Nims Dai." Other members of the team include fellow Nepali climbers Pur Bahadur Gurung, known as "Yukta," Kili Pemba Sherpa, also called "Kilu," Nima Sherpa, Nawang Thindu Sherpa and Gyalu Sherpa. The group also comprises Pakistani climber Sohail Sakhi from Hunza, Omani mountaineer Nadhira Ahmed Abdullah Al Harthy, American climber Mallory Geis and Chinese climber Wang Zhong.

In its first official response, the Alpine Club said it had received alarming information about the avalanche and confirmed that communication with all members of the expedition had been lost immediately after the incident.

The ACP stated that its President, Major General (Retired) Irfan Arshad, together with the organisation's senior leadership, had been in continuous contact with government officials and relevant institutions to ensure a swift rescue response.

The club said helicopters and every available rescue facility were being arranged, with deployment dependent on weather conditions and operational feasibility.

Providing an update on Friday, the ACP announced that two helicopters carrying rescue specialists and high-altitude equipment had been sent to assist search teams already working on the ground in the difficult mountain terrain.

Alpine Club of Pakistan Senior Vice President Karrar Haidri said every available resource was being utilised to reach the missing climbers.

He added that the Club was maintaining close coordination with all relevant authorities to maximise rescue efforts and expressed hope for the safe return of the expedition members, while offering prayers for them and support to their families.

The Club said it continues to closely follow developments and remains in constant coordination with all concerned stakeholders. It expressed optimism that the missing climbers would be recovered safely and pledged to issue further updates only after receiving verified information.

Broad Peak, standing as the world's 12th-highest mountain, is located in the Karakoram Range near K2 along the Pakistan-China border.

Known locally as Falchan Kangri, the mountain is considered less technically demanding than several other 8,000-metre peaks, but it remains highly susceptible to avalanches, while its remote location makes rescue operations extremely challenging.

The Alpine Club of Pakistan also extended its solidarity to the families of the missing climbers and the global mountaineering community, praying for the team's safety and successful rescue. It said more information would be shared as the search mission progresses.