55-Year-Old Paraglider Goes Missing in Upper Chitral as Search Operation Resumes
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55-Year-Old Paraglider Goes Missing in Upper Chitral as Search Operation Resumes

A search operation resumed early Friday for a 55-year-old paraglider who went missing in the mountainous Barum hills of Oveer Valley in Upper Chitral after severe weather disrupted a group flight.

The missing paraglider has been identified as Asif Mehmood, a resident of Wah Cantt, who was part of a six-member group that took off from Zaini Pass near the Terichmir peak on Thursday afternoon.

The group had set out for a paragliding flight in the Hindu Kush region when changing weather conditions affected the activity. Mehmood was subsequently reported missing, prompting authorities and local teams to begin search efforts.

The Barum hills and surrounding areas of Upper Chitral are known for their rugged mountainous terrain, making search operations particularly challenging, especially when visibility and weather conditions deteriorate.

Rescue teams resumed the search early Friday as efforts continued to determine the missing paraglider’s location. The operation is focused on areas around Oveer Valley and the route associated with the group’s flight.

Local authorities and rescue personnel are expected to examine difficult-to-access sections of the mountainous region as they continue looking for Mehmood.

The incident highlights the risks associated with adventure activities in high-altitude areas, where sudden changes in weather can create dangerous conditions for paragliders and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Zaini Pass, located near the Terichmir peak, is situated in a mountainous part of Upper Chitral. The region attracts visitors interested in adventure tourism because of its dramatic landscapes and high-altitude environment.

Weather conditions can change quickly in the Hindu Kush, potentially affecting visibility, wind patterns and flight safety. Such conditions can make it difficult for search teams to cover large areas efficiently.

Officials and local residents are continuing to support the search operation, while further information about the missing paraglider’s whereabouts is expected as rescue teams assess the surrounding terrain.

The search for Asif Mehmood remains ongoing, with authorities focusing on locating him as quickly as possible amid the challenging conditions in Upper Chitral.