A British trekker has been found dead after disappearing during a descent from a mountain in northern Pakistan.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
Alexander Harris, 30, from Birmingham, had been descending Musa Ka Musala in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday when he became separated from his hiking companion. His body was later found on a forest path, BBC reported.
Khalid Iqbal, the area's deputy commissioner, said police and volunteers had spent hours searching for Harris before locating him.
“He most probably slipped and fell,” Iqbal said.
Harris had started the trek at about 5.40 am local time with another hiker. The pair reached the summit, which stands at just over 4,000 metres (13,000ft), and took photographs before beginning their descent.
They became separated after Harris moved ahead of his companion by about 1-2km. Rain then began to fall in the area.
“There was a difference in their speed,” Iqbal said. “He was moving faster, he got about 1- 2 km ahead. Then it started raining.”
Around 250 to 300 people, including police officers and volunteers, were involved in the search, according to Iqbal. Teams searched the mountainous terrain on foot and used drones, although poor visibility restricted aerial operations.
Harris had been living in Islamabad, where he worked for global advisory firm Adam Smith International. He also held Irish citizenship.
Officials said Harris and his companion had not informed authorities about their planned trek. Iqbal said the hotel where Harris was staying had offered him a guide and police security, but he declined the assistance.
“He said that he knew the area and did not need any help,” Iqbal said.
The search teams worked through heavy rain, fog and poor visibility across steep terrain before finding Harris.
The Foreign Office said it was supporting Harris's family and was in contact with local authorities in Pakistan.
Harris was a keen hiker and trail runner, regularly taking part in long-distance races in Pakistan. His running group, Margalla Trail Runners, described him as a “passionate trail runner” in a social media tribute.
“May his soul rest in peace and may his family and loved ones find strength and comfort during this difficult time,” the group said.
The Foreign Office said: “Our thoughts are with Alex's family, friends and colleagues at this incredibly difficult time. We remain focused on supporting his family.”
