Seven mountaineers have been caught by an avalanche while climbing at an altitude of more than 5,000m (17,000ft) in northern Pakistan, officials say.
The four Italian and three Pakistani climbers are believed to be trapped in the Ghizer district near the border with Afghanistan.
The avalanche occurred in the early hours of Monday, local media report.
A rescue operation by the Pakistani army is being held until Tuesday due to the region’s poor weather conditions.
Helicopters will be used in an attempt to locate and evacuate the mountaineers from the remote location, with volunteers also helping with rescue efforts, a spokesman for the Alpine Club of Pakistan told the Associated Press.
“We are praying for the safety of the stranded mountaineers,” he said.
