Shehroze Kashif, Guides Summoned Over Dr Asma’s Death

An inquiry committee has been formed by the DIG Police Skardu to investigate the death of Dr Asma Mushtaq on Spantik Peak in Gilgit-Baltistan’s Shigar district. The committee has issued notices to renowned mountaineer Shehroze Kashif, expedition guide Muhammad Amin, and mountain guide Ali Akbar, directing them to appear before the committee and record their statements.

Dr Asma died last month while on an expedition to Spantik Peak in Shigar district, Gilgit-Baltistan, reportedly due to high-altitude sickness. The incident came under discussion after the expedition company allegedly demanded Rs3 million to bring her body down from the mountain.

Later, mountaineer Mehboob, from Arandu village, along with his team, voluntarily brought Dr Asma’s body down to the base camp.

According to an official order issued by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Baltistan Range, Skardu, a three-member committee has been formed to investigate the case. Aftab Alam, SSP Admin & Coordination, DIG Office BR, will head the committee, with Wazir Naik Alam, DPO Shigar, and Sanaullah, ASP/UT, District Skardu, as members. The inquiry follows an application submitted by Sheikh Asad Ahmed, brother of Dr Asma Mushtaq, on September 17, 2026.

The chairman of the committee has further been directed to issue notices to Muhammad Amin, Expedition Guide; Ali Akbar, Mountain Guide; and Shehroze Kashif, who were alleged/nominated by the complainant, requiring them to appear before the committee at the Office of SSP Admin & Coordination, DIG Office Baltistan Range, on September 21, 2026, to record their statements and present their versions regarding the allegations contained in the application.

The committee has been directed to ensure that the inquiry is conducted strictly in accordance with law, without fear, favour or prejudice, and that all relevant aspects of the matter are thoroughly examined before reaching any conclusion. It has also been directed to submit its report with findings within two weeks.

Family raises concerns over circumstances surrounding death

Speaking to PPC Digital, Dr Asma’s family expressed concerns over the circumstances surrounding her death.

According to the family, they received information about Dr Asma’s summit push at around 8am on August 19.

The family said that at 5:34pm, they received a WhatsApp call from Skardu informing them that Dr Asma’s health had deteriorated.

“Ten minutes later, we received another call informing us that the guide had reached Camp II and contacted the company, asking them to arrange a helicopter,” the family said.

The family alleged that Dr Asma was left alone at that location, while people at the base camp were informed by Karakoram Calling at around 6:30pm that she had died.

The family further said that the guide reached the base camp at around 11:30pm, which, according to them, raised questions over whether he had returned to Camp III to check on Dr Asma.

The family also raised questions regarding video footage.

“Akbar had initially made three or four videos and showed them to people at the base camp, but after reaching Skardu, he said, ‘I swear, I do not have even a single video,’” the family told PPC Digital.

According to the family, the discrepancy regarding the availability of video footage had also raised concerns.

“After receiving the news of her death, we initially waited for the guides to come down and tell us what had happened. But when the tour operator came down, instead of cooperating, they became dismissive,” the family said.

The allegations and concerns raised by the family are now part of the matter being examined by the inquiry committee. The statements of the individuals named in the official order are expected to be recorded on September 21.