Asif Bashir
Asif Bashir | |
|---|---|
 Bashir in Maidan-e-Badar, Saudi Arabia | |
| Born | 30 June 1993 Peshawar |
| Citizenship |  Pakistani |
| Occupation(s) | Rescue worker, Volunteer |
| Known for | 2024 Hajj extreme heat disaster |
| Awards | Jeevan Rakshak Award (India), Bravery Medal (Pakistan), Nominated for King's Gallantry Medal (UK) |
Asif Bashir (Pushto, Urdu: آصف بشیر; Born 30 December, 1993) is a Pakistani rescue worker, volunteer and philanthropist from Peshawar, Pakistan who gained national and international recognition for his role in the rescuing of 17 Pilgrims during 2024 Hajj extreme heat disaster.[1][2][3]
Early life and career
[edit]Asif Bashir was born in Peshawar, Pakistan. He graduated from COMSATS University with a degree in Computer Systems Engineering. Currently, he is employed as a Database Supervisor at the Chief Minister's Secretariat. Prior to this role, he worked at the Deputy Commissioner's Office as a rescue worker. His involvement in rescue services and disaster management spans several years, during which he has volunteered in various capacities, including flood and avalanche relief operations.[4][5]
2024 Hajj pilgrimage incident
[edit]On June 22, 2024, during extreme heat conditions, Asif Bashir participated in the rescue of 17 Indian, British, and Canadian nationals affected by severe weather. While serving as a guide volunteer, he provided medical assistance to over 360 individuals by distributing water and oral rehydration salts (ORS). He also transported 26 pilgrims to a nearby hospital, carrying some over a distance of 4 to 5 kilometers. Bashir's actions were recognized with titles such as 'Angel of Mina' and 'Pakistani Bajrangi Bhaijan.' His efforts were acknowledged by the Government of India.[6][7][8] [9]
Aftermath
[edit]Following his actions during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, Asif Bashir received recognition both nationally and internationally. His efforts were acknowledged by several governments and organizations, leading to numerous accolades. The Government of India honored him with the Jeevan Rakshak Award, while the Government of Pakistan awarded him the Bravery Medal. Additionally, he was nominated for the King's Gallantry Medal by the British Government.[10][11] He earned the title "Angel of Mina" after saving 17 lives during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Saudi Arabia. His act to help people across national and religious boundaries also led to comparisons with the famous Bollywood character "Bajrangi Bhaijaan".
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "آصف بشیر: وہ پاکستانی رضاکار جس نے دوران حج 16 انڈین حجاج کی جان بچائی". BBC News اردو. August 4, 2024.
- ^ "Young Pakistani made history by rescuing 17 Indian pilgrims at Hajj during deadly heatwave". August 5, 2024.
- ^ "Indian ministers all praise for Pakistani who saved lives during Hajj". www.thenews.com.pk.
- ^ "حجاج کرام کی جان بچانے والے پاکستانی ہیرو – DW – 07.08.2024". dw.com.
- ^ "17 انڈین حجاج کی جان بچانے والے پاکستانی آصف بشیر". Independent Urdu. August 4, 2024.
- ^ "Indian Politicians Acknowledge Pakistani Man for Saving Numerous Lives During Hajj 2024".
- ^ "'Hajj Hero': Meet Pakistani who saved lives of over dozen pilgrims, mostly Indians". Arab News PK. August 11, 2024.
- ^ ""Angel of Mina": India to honor Pakistani man for saving 16 Indian pilgrims during Hajj". August 4, 2024.
- ^ "Indian Minister laud Pakistani Hajj Volunteer for Saving Lives During Hajj 2024". Independent Hajj Reporters. Independent Hajj Reporters. Retrieved 6 August 2024.
- ^ "Pakistani Pilgrim Saved 17 Indian Pilgrims During Hajj 2024". August 6, 2024.
- ^ "Ministry of Information and Broadcasting".
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