July 22, 2006	Saturday	Jumadi-ul-Sani 25, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, July 21: Federal Minister of Tourism Nilofar Bakhtiar on Friday vowed to extend all possible help to rescue the Venezuelan climber stranded above 7,500 metres on Nanga Parbat.

Jose Antonio Delgado got stuck on the 8,125 meters high Nanga Parbat when he was descending from the summit on July 11. His solo attempt to descend from the mountain was thwarted by bad weather which enveloped the region on July 12.

According to a statement issued here, Jose had given up hope to make it down to the base camp. Bad weather and scarcity of food forced the climber to send an SOS message through the base camp for his evacuation on July 17.

Responding to the call, the tourism ministry sprang into action the same evening by hiring Army Aviation helicopters and launching a rescue mission.

Speaking with a representative of the Venezuelan government who had specially flown in, Ms Bakhtiar conveyed her concern to the family of the climber. She said the government of Pakistan would provide all possible assistance in the rescue mission.

Heavy snow has blocked normal climbing route, severing the ropes fixed by the previous climbers. Besides, avalanches continued on the slope till July 17.

On July 18, two army helicopters flew six members team of professional climbers to the 4,200 metre high base camp of Nanga Parbat. But bad weather prevented the helicopters from reaching the location.

On July 19, a six-member rescue team of Pakistani climbers, despite the hostile weather conditions, started to climb the Kinschofer Wall of Nanga Parbat, and managed to reach camp II at 6,400 metres. Army helicopters made several attempts, but failed to reach the destination.

According to a message received from the base camp on July 20, the six climbers were experiencing extreme weather conditions, while climbing to camp III.

Alpine Club of Pakistan, which is coordinating the rescue operation, were hopeful of finding the climber alive. The rescue team was attempting to continue their climb despite low visibility, threat of avalanches and risk to their lives.

Weather forecast says bad weather would continue for another two to three days.