Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said he is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of 10 mountaineers, including the renowned Nirmal Purja, in the avalanche on Broad Peak, Gilgit-Baltistan.

In a statement issued on X on Tuesday, Ishaq Dar wrote 'My heartfelt condolences go to the bereaved families and to the Governments and people of China, Nepal, Oman, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We also mourn one of our own Pakistani mountaineer, Sohail Sakhi of Hunza, whose courage and abiding passion for the high mountains will be remembered with pride'.

He said that the determination and pursuit of excellence shown by all those who perished embodied the true spirit of mountaineering and will continue to inspire generations.

Ishaq Dar wrote 'I commend the tireless efforts of our rescue and recovery teams, whose professionalism under the most demanding high-altitude conditions deserves our deepest appreciation'.

He said that Pakistan remains fully committed to the ongoing search, rescue, and recovery efforts, in close coordination with Chinese, Nepalese and US, Oman and UK Embassies in Pakistan. 'May the departed souls rest in eternal peace. Ameen' Ishaq Dar concluded.