Missing British trail runner found dead in Pakistan forest after major search operation

A British trail runner who disappeared has been found dead in northern Pakistan following a widespread search, his running group has confirmed.

Alexander Harris, 30, went missing on Saturday while on Musa Ka Musalla, a peak reaching higher than 4,000 metres in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Khalid Iqbal, the area’s deputy commissioner, said that police officers and local volunteers carried out the search before his body was located on a forest track, BBC News reported.

According to a social media statement from Margalla Trail Runners, an Islamabad-based club of which Mr Harris was a member, he suffered a fall into a ravine.

The group stated: "With profound sadness, we confirm that Alexander Harris, an active member of the Margalla Trail Runners community and an avid trail runner, has been found deceased following an extensive search operation.

"According to preliminary information, Alex apparently strayed on to an incorrect trail due to adverse weather conditions and severely reduced visibility, subsequently falling into a ravine estimated to be approximately 200 feet deep."

The BBC reported that Mr Harris was originally from Birmingham and held Irish citizenship. He had been living in Pakistan’s capital, where he was employed by global advisory firm Adam Smith International.

Margalla Trail Runners added on Facebook: "Alex had a deep love for Pakistan, particularly its mountains. He was learning Urdu and was deeply fascinated by Pakistan’s culture, people and traditions.

"He embraced the country with genuine admiration and treasured his experiences exploring its mountains.

"We extend our deepest condolences to Alex’s family, friends, fellow runners and everyone who knew him.

"His loss will be deeply felt by the trail-running community and all those who shared his love for the mountains of Pakistan."