A veteran hiker who built his life in Pakistan’s capital has been found dead after going missing during an expedition on a 4,000-meter mountain in the country’s northern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Alexander Harris, a 30-year-old originally from Birmingham with both British and Irish citizenship, had been living in Islamabad working for the global advisory firm Adam Smith International, when he embarked on his trek to the summit of Musa Ka Musala.
Local officials confirmed Harris set off for the climb at around 5:40 a.m. local time Saturday alongside a single hiking companion. After capturing photos at the peak, the pair began their descent, but separated after Harris pulled ahead by roughly 1 to 2 kilometers due to his faster pace. Unexpected rain rolled in as the descent continued, and Harris went missing soon after.
Khalid Iqbal, deputy commissioner of the local district, shared that between 250 and 300 first responders, police officers and civilian volunteers launched an extensive search effort to locate the missing trekker. Rescuers deployed both on-foot search teams and drones to cover the steep, forested terrain, but heavy fog and poor visibility severely limited the effectiveness of aerial tools. After days of searching, crews located Harris’ body along a forest trail, with investigators concluding the most likely cause of death was a fatal slip and fall. Iqbal added that Harris had declined official support for the trip: local authorities and his accommodation had offered a certified guide and police security, but Harris, an experienced hiker familiar with the region, turned this assistance down. The expedition also was not registered with local authorities, per local regulations.
A passionate outdoor enthusiast, Harris was an active trail runner and regular competitor in long-distance races across Pakistan. His employer released an official statement Sunday honoring his memory, describing him as a deeply beloved member of their team who had formed profound connections to Pakistan during his time in the country. “He cared deeply for Pakistan, its people, its nature, and learned Urdu during his time there,” the statement read. The company also extended its gratitude to the hundreds of people who participated in the search effort, noting that crews worked tirelessly through dangerous conditions including heavy rain, thick fog, and uneven steep terrain to locate Harris.
Harris’ local running community, the Margalla Trail Runners, also mourned his loss on social media, remembering him as a passionate trail runner and extending condolences to his family and loved ones.
Officials confirmed they are now working to repatriate Harris’ remains to his family. The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment on the incident, and has not yet released a public statement as of Monday.