Famed Nepali climber Nirmal Purja killed in avalanche in Pakistan

Elite Exped, the company co-founded by famed Nepali climber Nirmal Purja, announced his death in an avalanche in Pakistan, as reported by news agencies on Saturday.

Purja, 42, gained worldwide fame in 2019 when he climbed the world's 14 highest peaks in just six months, breaking the previous record.

In a statement, the company confirmed that Purja was part of a group of climbers caught in an avalanche while attempting to climb one of the peaks in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of northern Pakistan.

The company did not provide further details about the circumstances of the incident or the number of other casualties, but expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of the world's most prominent climbers.

Purja, who previously served in the British special forces, was known for his ambitious high-altitude climbing projects and documented his journeys on social media, earning him a wide following.

Separately, the United Nations warned on Thursday that Afghans returning from neighboring countries face increasing risks of human trafficking and exploitation, amid worsening humanitarian and economic crises that are driving many to struggle for survival.

UN reports indicated that Afghan returnees, forced to return home due to difficult conditions in neighboring countries, find themselves vulnerable to trafficking networks that exploit their desperate need for work and money.

These warnings come at a time when Afghanistan is experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions suffering from food insecurity and the collapse of basic services.

International organizations are working to provide aid to returnees, but they warn that funding is insufficient to meet the growing needs.

Purja's death remains a major focus of attention in sports and mountaineering circles, with his loss considered a significant blow to the international climbing community.