Abstract ID: 3.11115 | Not reviewed | Requested as: Talk | TBA | TBA

Pakistan, is a home to some of the world’s highest peaks, including K2 and Nanga Parbat and serve as source for glacier climbing in its northern regions including Karakoram and Himalayas, presents threats and significant risks to both local and international climbers. These altitudes experience severe impacts of climate change on its mountainous regions. Rising temperatures are accelerating glacial melt, increasing rockfall hazards, and destabilizing climbing routes, posing serious risks to mountaineers. The thawing of permafrost is weakening mountain structures, leading to frequent landslides and avalanches, making traditional routes more dangerous and unpredictable. Above threats could be evident from several fatal incidents associated with this extreme sport. Some of the examples include; K2 Tragedy in 2008 when an ice avalanche on K2 resulted in the deaths of at least 11 climbers. The disaster was precipitated by the collapse of an ice sheet at approximately 8,200 meters, leading to a series of fatal accidents. Also according to the Guardian sources Broad Peak Accident took place when a Renowned Pakistani climber Murad Sadpara, aged 35, died in 2023 after being struck by a falling rock during his descent from Broad Peak in the Karakoram Range. Similarly CBS News stated that Disteghil Sar Avalanche incident occurred in 1997 in which two British climbers and a New Zealander lost their lives in an avalanche while attempting to summit Disteghil Sar. The tragedy occurred in the Shamshal Valley at high altitude. According to American Alpine Club Publications (AAC Publications) Primary Causes of Fatalities include; Avalanches and Icefalls, dislodged rocks, hidden crevasses, rapid weather changes, low oxygen level and rising temperatures contributing to glacier melting, increasing the frequency of avalanches and unstable ice conditions, thereby elevating risks for climbers. By adopting proactive strategies, Pakistan can mitigate the effects of climate change on its mountaineering sector, ensuring the preservation of its iconic peaks and the safety of climbers and trekkers for future generations. Adaptation strategies include; trail maintenance, installing early-warning systems for avalanches and landslides, relocation of Mountain huts to safer zones, collaboration between local authorities, mountaineering organizations, and climate experts.