The Pakistan Army shifted on Sunday mountaineer Samina Baig, who had to abandon an international expedition to conquer K2 due to breathing problems, from Shigar’s Askole area to Skardu.

Baig, who was part of a joint Pakistani-Italian mountaineering team, was forced to abandon the expedition on Friday after falling ill at the base camp. She was shifted from the K2 base camp to Shigar’s Askole area earlier in the day after undertaking a lengthy journey on horseback while in critical medical condition.

The Pakistan Army’s aviation team was on standby for a rescue operation, but inclement weather conditions prevented the evacuation by air. Instead, Samina’s transfer to Skardu began this morning around 10am, with the lower altitude aiding in her recovery.

A team of Pakistani Army doctors is now ready to provide Baig with medical care at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Skardu. Further decisions regarding her onward transfer would be made after evaluating her health condition.

Samina is a pioneering Pakistani mountaineer who has achieved numerous accolades, including becoming the first Pakistani woman to climb Mount Everest.