GHIZER: A French paraglider pilot, Savall Xavier Alain Francois, went missing shortly after he took a flight from a peak in Pakistan's northern Gilgit-Baltistan region on Saturday, officials told Arab News.
Gilgit-Baltistan, a region administered by Pakistan as an autonomous territory, is home to some of the highest peaks in the world and a major tourist destination. Hundreds of tourists visit the region each year for expeditions on various peaks, paragliding and other sports.
The French paraglider pilot flew along with two Spanish paragliders from a peak in Hunza district at around 4pm on Saturday, according to officials. While the Spanish duo landed safely, there was no trace of Francois.
“Upon receiving the information, a team comprising Rescue 1122 members, police and local volunteers was dispatched to the site,” Hunza Superintendent of Police (SP) Zahoor Ahmed told Arab News over the phone. "But they could not trace him."
Hunza Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Usman said they have decided to trace the missing French paraglider with the help of a chopper.
An official of the Gilgit-Baltistan Tourist Police, who wished not to be named, said the three paragliders flew from the Duikar village of Hunza and two of them safely landed at the riverside in Ganish valley.
He said a helicopter has reached Hunza to launch a search for missing French paraglider pilot.