The death toll from last week's avalanche on Broad Peak has risen to eight, with the latest recoveries marking a somber milestone in one of Gilgit-Baltistan's deadliest mountaineering tragedies. Pakistan Army helicopters airlifted the remains of five additional climbers from the mountain's base camp on Thursday, as search teams continue to hold out hope for two still missing. Main Developments The recovery operation on Broad Peak entered its final stages Thursday after the evacuation of five more victims, bringing the total recovered to eight. The latest group included celebrated British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, Chinese climber Zhong Wang, and Nepali climbers Nima Sherpa, Gyalu Sherpa, and Kilu Sherpa. Read also: Aviation Sector Urged to Bolster Defenses Against APT Cyber Threats Alpine Club of Pakistan President Irfan Arshad Khan confirmed that the bodies were transported from base camp to a military facility in Skardu, where arrangements are underway for their onward transfer. Officials said the remains will move to Islamabad after consultations with the respective embassies before being handed over to families. The ill-fated expedition comprised 10 climbers from Nepal, China, Pakistan, Oman, Britain, and the United States. Pakistani and Nepali mountaineers worked in extremely difficult high-altitude conditions to retrieve the bodies, officials added. Background The avalanche struck on July 31 on the slopes of the 8,051-metre mountain, catching the international team during their ascent. Three bodies had already been recovered on August 1, just a day after the disaster. Broad Peak, part of the Karakoram range, is known for its technical challenges and sudden weather shifts, making rescue operations particularly hazardous. Why It Matters This tragedy underscores the inherent risks of high-altitude mountaineering and the logistical hurdles of rescue in remote regions like Gilgit-Baltistan. The recovery effort highlights the vital role of military aviation and international cooperation in managing such crises. For the families and the global climbing community, the return of remains offers closure, but the loss of celebrated figures like Purja resonates far beyond the region. What's Next Search efforts continue for the two missing climbers, though officials have not specified a timeline for concluding the operation. Once all recoveries are complete, bodies will be flown to Islamabad for embassy coordination and final repatriation. The Alpine Club of Pakistan is expected to lead a review of safety protocols for future expeditions in the area.