KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of world record-holding mountaineer Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai) and nine other climbers in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan.

In a statement, Shah mourned the loss of six Nepali and four foreign climbers who died during an expedition on the 8,051-metre Broad Peak, the world’s 12th-highest mountain in Pakistan’s Karakoram range.

“The tragic deaths of world record-holder Nirmal Purja (Nims Dai), six Nepali climbers, and four foreign climbers on the 8,051-metre Broad Peak in Pakistan’s Karakoram mountain range have left us deeply shocked,” Shah said.

He said that while the physical journey of Purja and the other deceased climbers had come to an end, their courage, dedication, and contributions would continue to inspire generations.

Shah described mountaineering as far more than a journey to reach a summit, calling it the highest expression of courage, discipline, sacrifice, and the determination to push the limits of human potential.

“Mountains often reward climbers with the glory of reaching the summit, but at times they also embrace them forever,” he said.

The Prime Minister added that the bravery and commitment of the fallen mountaineers would ensure their place in history forever.