According to Pakistan’s military media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a snow clearance operation was carried out during the night of Jan. 2–3, 2026, at Burzil Pass to restore access and enable the movement of Pakistan Army troops in the area.

The operation involved heavy machinery and was led by Captain Asmad, 28, from Lahore. At about 2 a.m. on January 3, a sudden snow slide struck the site while work was underway, trapping Captain Asmad, two soldiers, and a civilian machine operator from the Public Works Department.

After extensive rescue efforts, all four were recovered from the snow. However, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan, 32, from Attock, and the civilian operator, Essa, from Astore, later died from their injuries.

ISPR said the personnel were killed while carrying out a difficult mission under extreme weather conditions aimed at maintaining operational readiness and mobility in the region.

The Pakistan Armed Forces paid tribute to those killed and expressed condolences to their families.