ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari bestowed the Sitara-i-Imtiaz award upon Asif Bashir, honoring his exceptional contributions in the realm of public service.
The accolade was presented during a special investiture ceremony at Aiwan-e-Sadr, attended by parliamentarians and dignitaries.
According to the citation shared at the event, Asif Bashir, currently serving as a Computer Operator at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Peshawar, was chosen by the federal religious affairs ministry as a Hajj Assistant (Moavin-i-Hajj) during the previous year’s Hajj operations.
Amid the pilgrimage, temperatures surged to 51.8°C, causing severe hardships for numerous pilgrims. In such challenging conditions, Hajj Assistants delivered remarkable and commendable efforts that often go unrecognized.
While primarily tasked with facilitating Pakistani pilgrims, these assistants also extend support to Hujjaj from other nations.
During the Hajj period, Asif Bashir was stationed in Mina, where tents housed pilgrims from multiple countries, including India.
On 9th Zil Hajj, extreme heat led to the collapse of elderly pilgrims from Pakistan, India, and Britain. Tragically, 1,300 individuals lost their lives during the incident.
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Amid the chaos, Asif Bashir and his five-member team responded promptly, administering first aid to affected pilgrims, many of whom were Indian nationals. Demonstrating extraordinary resolve, he personally transported 26 pilgrims, including 17 Indians, on his shoulders to medical facilities, saving their lives through his quick response.
