The body of a British national who went missing while trekking in northern Pakistan has been recovered, officials said.
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Alexander Harris, 30, originally from Birmingham, disappeared on Saturday while making his way down from Musa Ka Musala, a mountain in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) that rises to more than 4,000 metres.
Khalid Iqbal, deputy commissioner of the area, said search teams located Harris’s body on a forest track. Initial indications suggest that he may have lost his footing and fallen while descending.
Harris had begun the hike at approximately 5:40am alongside another trekker. The two reached the summit and took photographs before starting their return journey. They later became separated after Harris moved considerably faster than his companion.
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According to Iqbal, Harris had travelled roughly one to two kilometres ahead when the weather deteriorated and rain began. The difficult terrain and poor conditions subsequently complicated efforts to locate him.
The search operation involved an estimated 250 to 300 people, including police officers, volunteers and other local personnel. Teams combed the area on foot while drones were also deployed, although fog and low visibility restricted aerial searches.
Harris had been based in Islamabad, where he was employed by international advisory firm Adam Smith International. He was an experienced outdoor enthusiast and regularly participated in trail-running and long-distance races in Pakistan.
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Iqbal said the trekkers had not informed local authorities about their plans. He added that the hotel where Harris was staying had offered to arrange a guide and police protection, but Harris declined the assistance, saying he was familiar with the region.
The British Foreign Office said it was providing support to Harris’s family and remained in contact with Pakistani authorities.
Harris also held Irish citizenship. His employer said his death had left colleagues deeply saddened, describing him as a much-loved member of the organisation.
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Adam Smith International said Harris had developed a strong affection for Pakistan, its people and its natural landscapes. The company noted that he had also learned Urdu during his time in the country.
The firm thanked everyone involved in the search, including residents, volunteers, police, rescue personnel, forest officials, government authorities and members of Harris’s trail-running community. It said searchers had worked through heavy rain, fog and difficult mountainous terrain.
Harris’s running community, Margalla Trail Runners, remembered him as a passionate trail runner and offered condolences to his family and friends following his death.
