Alexander Harris: body of missing British trekker found in northern Pakistan

The search for Alexander Harris has ended with devastating news

The body of 30-year-old British trekker Alexander Harris has been discovered in northern Pakistan, days after he went missing while descending a mountain, local officials have confirmed. Harris, who was originally from Birmingham, disappeared on Saturday after reaching the summit of Musa Ka Musala, a mountain standing at just over 4,000m (13,000ft) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. His body was later found along a track running through a forest, according to Khalid Iqbal, the area’s deputy commissioner. He said the circumstances suggested Harris had most likely slipped while making his way down the mountain and fallen. The search for the trekker began after he failed to return from his descent, with officials now confirming that the search has ended following the discovery of his body.

What happened to Alexander Harris

Harris set off at around 05:40 local time on Saturday with another hiker. After reaching the summit, the pair photographed the view before beginning their descent. Harris was travelling faster and eventually got around 1-2km ahead, just as rain began to fall.

“There was a difference in their speed,” deputy commissioner Khalid Iqbal said. “He [Harris] was moving faster, he got about 1-2km ahead. Then it started raining.”

An estimated 250 to 300 people took part in the search, scouring the area on foot and using drones where possible. Poor visibility, however, made it difficult to use the drones effectively.

Iqbal said the hikers had not informed authorities about their plans. Harris’ hotel had offered to arrange a guide and police security, but he reportedly declined, saying he knew the area and did not need assistance.

A keen hiker and trail runner, Harris lived in Islamabad and worked for advisory firm Adam Smith International. He also competed in long-distance races in Pakistan and was described by the company as a “much loved member” of its team.

The firm said he “cared deeply for Pakistan, its people, its nature” and had learned Urdu during his time there. He is the latest Briton caught out in the region's mountains, after 33 UK residents went missing in the Nepal floods. The Foreign Office said it was "supporting the family of a British man who has died in Pakistan".