Pakistani citizen Asif Bashir has performed an act of humanitarian compassion that has led to recommendations for him to be awarded India’s Jeevan Raksha Award.
During this year’s Hajj, Asif Bashir, a resident of Saudi Arabia originally from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, saved the lives of many pilgrims in the extreme heat. Among those he saved were 16 Indian citizens.
Asif Bashir was responsible for assisting pilgrims during Hajj this year and played a role in saving at least 26 lives. According to Saudi media, 9 of the pilgrims he assisted unfortunately passed away, but 17 survived, including 16 Indian citizens.
When news of Asif Bashir’s actions reached India, the government there also appreciated his efforts. The Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiran Rijiju, wrote a letter to Asif Bashir, stating, “Thanks to you, many pilgrims, including Indian citizens, were saved in Mina. Your bravery will always be remembered.”
Additionally, the Indian Consul General in Jeddah praised Asif Bashir’s efforts, stating that he would recommend the Pakistani citizen for the “Jeevan Raksha” award to his government.
According to news and other international media reports, 1,301 deaths occurred during Hajj this year, mostly among unregistered pilgrims. For saving the lives of Indian pilgrims, Asif Bashir has been affectionately called “Pakistani Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and even “The Angel of Mina” by Indians.
It is important to note that Asif Bashir was volunteering to guide Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj. However, on the 10th of Dhul-Hijjah, when pilgrims were returning after stoning the devil, many became unconscious or exhausted due to the extreme heat. Without discrimination, he decided to help them and saved many precious lives.
