KATHMANDU, JULY 31
The Expedition Operators' Association Nepal (EOA-Nepal) has urged the government to initiate immediate diplomatic efforts to support the search and rescue of Nepali climbers who went missing after an avalanche struck Broad Peak (8,047m) in Pakistan.
Issuing a statement on Friday, the association expressed deep concern over the loss of contact with a team of climbers, including renowned Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja "Nimsdai", during an expedition on the Karakoram peak. It wished for the safe rescue and return of all those missing.
EOA-Nepal said the incident required a coordinated, active and effective response from the Government of Nepal, given the country's international standing in mountaineering. It called on the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers to treat the matter as a high priority and coordinate with all relevant agencies.
The association also urged the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to publicly communicate the government's official position on the incident and coordinate with concerned organisations. It further requested the Department of Tourism to collect and consolidate all information related to the expedition and facilitate rescue efforts where necessary.
Likewise, EOA-Nepal appealed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately engage with the Government of Pakistan and relevant authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure that all available resources are mobilised for the search-and-rescue operation.
The association also called on the Government of Pakistan and Pakistani mountaineering organisations to intensify rescue efforts, while stating that EOA-Nepal stands ready to provide any assistance required.
Describing the incident as a humanitarian concern affecting the international mountaineering community rather than only Nepali climbers, the association stressed the need for swift and coordinated action from all stakeholders to ensure the safe rescue of those missing.
