Draft:Siachen Base Camp (Pakistan)

The Siachen Glacier, regarded as the world's highest battlefield, is situated within the eastern Karakoram mountain range amidst the Himalayas, nestled along the borders shared by Pakistan, India, and China. Encompassing the world's second-longest glaciers, spanning distance of 76 kilometers (47 miles), the region holds strategic significance.

Both Pakistan and India, South Asian neighbors and historical rivals, lay claim to sovereignty over the entirety of the Siachen region. According to Pakistan army officials, prior to 1984, the glaciers remained devoid of any military presence. However, in April of that year, the Indian army undertook a clandestine operation, seizing control of key positions within the Siachen glaciers and advancing towards the eastern Karakoram mountain range. This incursion prompted Pakistan to deploy its troops into the strategically important northern Kashmir region.

Gyong La Base Camp
Gyong La Base Camp, located near Gyong La Pass, serves as another crucial outpost in Pakistan's military strategy in the Siachen Glacier region. The pass facilitates troop movements and logistical support, contributing to Pakistan's defensive posture in the area. While the region surrounding Gyong La Pass has been the scene of sporadic clashes and skirmishes, Pakistan has consistently maintained its presence to safeguard its territorial claims.

Sia La Base Camp
Sia La Base Camp, positioned near Sia La Pass, complements Pakistan's military infrastructure in the Siachen Glacier region. The pass serves as a corridor for troop deployments and supply lines, enabling Pakistan to assert its control over key areas of the glacier.

Goma Base Camp
Goma Base Camp, situated strategically in the vicinity of the Siachen Glacier, holds significance in Pakistan's military operations. Serving as a logistical hub and a forward operating base, Goma Base Camp enables Pakistan to maintain a presence in the region, safeguarding its territorial integrity and national security interests.

Historical Records
The Siachen Conflict, which commenced in 1984, epitomizes the enduring dispute between Pakistan and India over territorial control in the Siachen Glacier area. Amidst heightened tensions, Pakistan successfully defended several strategically significant base camps against Indian encroachments.

During Operation Meghdoot, initiated by India in 1984 as a preemptive measure against Pakistan's Operation Ababeel, Pakistani forces defended Bilafond La Base Camp, Gyong La Base Camp, and Sia La Base Camp.

On 7 April 2012, an avalanche hit a Pakistan Army base in Gayari Sector, near the Siachen Glacier region, trapping 140 soldiers and civilian contractors under deep snow. The incident occurred at an altitude of about 4,000 meters and 300 km northeast of Skardu (capital of Baltistan). It was the worst avalanche that the Pakistani military has experienced in the area. On 29 May 2012, Pakistan declared that the 129 soldiers and 11 civilians were killed.

Operation Ababeel (1984)
Launched in response to perceived Indian threats and provocations, Operation Ababeel aimed to assert Pakistan's sovereignty over the Siachen Glacier area and counter Indian encroachments on disputed territories. Pakistani forces successfully defended key positions against Indian incursions during this operation.

Operation Qaidat (1987)
Operation Qaidat was undertaken by Pakistani forces with the objective of strengthening their defensive positions and thwarting Indian assaults on strategic bases within the Siachen Glacier region. The primary aim of the operation was to safeguard Pakistan's territorial integrity and deter any further advancements by Indian forces into disputed territories. SSG Officer Captain Muhammad Iqbal Khan Shaheed was killed on September 25, 1987 during this operation and was awarded Hilal-e-Jurat for his service.