A Pakistan Army captain, a soldier and a civilian machine operator were martyred after an avalanche struck a snow clearance operation at Burzil Pass in Gilgit-Baltistan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Saturday.

In a statement, the military’s media wing said the operation was being conducted on the night between January 2 and 3 to clear heavy snowfall and ensure operational movement of troops in the area.

The operation was being carried out with heavy machinery and was led by 28-year-old Captain Asmad, a resident of Lahore.

“At around 2.00 a.m. on January 3, 2026, while subject operation was ongoing, a snow slide triggered, resultantly Captain Asmad along with two soldiers and civilian machine operator (PWD) got entrapped,” said the ISPR.

Despite severe weather and extremely difficult conditions, rescue teams launched an immediate operation and managed to recover all four individuals from beneath the snow.

However, Captain Asmad, Sepoy Rizwan Umar, 32, a resident of Attock, and civilian machine operator Essa, a resident of Astore, later succumbed to their injuries. The fourth individual survived.

The ISPR said the martyrs laid down their lives while leading a challenging and critical operation in harsh weather to facilitate the operational movement of forces.

Their supreme sacrifice is a shining example of devotion to duty, resolve and unwavering loyalty to the motherland, the statement said, adding that officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to defending the country and fulfilling their responsibilities under all circumstances.

The nation, the ISPR said, pays tribute to the martyrs for their courage and sacrifice.