ISLAMABAD: Retired Lt Col Abdul Jabbar Bhatti, who conquered Mount Everest on Sunday, developed health problems during descent, reliable sources told Dawn.

Mirza Ali Baig, a mountaineer and brother of Samina Baig — who became the first Pakistani woman to conquer the world’s highest peak in 2013 — told Dawn that Mr Bhatti’s condition was critical.

He said Mr Bhatti and his guide ran out of oxygen after they started the return journey. But fortunately enough, another party spotted them and gave them oxygen. “Both have been put up in Camp Four, which is at a height of 8,700 metres, and kept in sleeping bags. The condition of his guide is said to be more critical,” Mr Baig said. Six guides are taking care of both Col Bhatti and his guide.

“I was told the weather is ruthless at Camp Four. Hopefully, as soon as the weather improves, Mr Bhatti and his guide will be brought to Camp Two, from where they will be airlifted to Kathmandu,” Mr Baig said.

On Sunday Mr Bhatti became the fourth Pakistani to conquer Mount Everest.

He has already scaled Broad Peak (8,051 metres) in 1985, Gasherbrum-2 (8,035m) in 1986, and Spantik Peak (7,027m) in 2012. It took him one-and-a-half months to complete the Everest expedition. Mount Everest stands 8,848m above sea level.

The other Pakistanis to have conquered Mount Everest are Hassan Sadpara, Samina Baig (2013) and Nazir Sabir (2000).

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2017