According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), an operation to clear snow and open the Burzil Pass was underway on the night of January 2 and 3 when an avalanche trapped four people, including Captain Asmad and a machine operator.
The ISPR statement indicated that during the rescue operation that followed the avalanche, all four individuals were pulled out from the snow. Unfortunately, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, and machine operator Isa Jam were martyred.
The snow clearance operation was conducted using heavy machinery to facilitate the operational movement of forces in the area. The operation was led by Captain Asmad, who was 28 years old and a resident of Lahore.
Around 2 AM on January 3, while the operation was ongoing, a snow slide occurred, trapping Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and the civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department (PWD). Despite intensive rescue efforts, the condition of Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan (aged 32, from Attock), and machine operator Essa (from Astore) deteriorated, leading to the tragic loss of all three individuals.
These brave individuals made the ultimate sacrifice while leading a challenging operation in extreme weather conditions to facilitate the movement of forces. Their dedication and willingness to lay down their lives in the line of duty stand as a testament to the commitment of all ranks of the Pakistan Armed Forces to defend the motherland.
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