President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the prestigious Sitara-i-Imtiaz award on Asif Bashir in recognition of his extraordinary services in public service during a special investiture ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The ceremony was attended by members of parliament and other dignitaries.
As stated in the citation read out at the ceremony, Asif Bashir, a Computer Operator at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Peshawar, was selected by the federal Ministry of Religious Affairs to serve as a Moavin-i-Hajj (Hajj Assistant) during the previous year’s Hajj operation.
During the Hajj, the temperature reached an extreme 51.8 degrees Celsius, causing severe difficulties for several pilgrims. Despite the harsh conditions, the Moavineen provided invaluable assistance to Pakistani and international pilgrims, often going unrecognized for their efforts.
Asif Bashir’s role was particularly crucial when he served in Mina, where the tents for pilgrims from Pakistan, India, and other countries were set up.
On 9th Zil Hajj, a heatwave led to several elderly pilgrims from Pakistan, India, and the UK fainting, and tragically, 1,300 people lost their lives that day. Amid this crisis, Asif Bashir and his five-member team swiftly responded, offering first aid to the affected pilgrims. With remarkable determination, Asif Bashir physically carried 26 pilgrims, including 17 Indian nationals, on his shoulders to the hospital, saving their lives.
In recognition of his courageous actions, the Indian Minister for Minorities Affairs sent a letter of appreciation acknowledging the exceptional hospitality and responsibility shown by the Pakistani team.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is set to introduce a new policy, "Ghar Se Ghar Tak," to ensure enhanced support and facilitation for pilgrims travelling for Hajj in 2025.
The initiative, aimed at improving the overall Hajj experience, will provide a comprehensive service to pilgrims from their departure in Pakistan to their return.
Under the policy, official guides, known as nazmeen, will be appointed to assist pilgrims throughout their journey. A total of 600 nazmeen will be designated, with one guide assigned for every 150 pilgrims.
These guides will accompany the pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and back, providing vital assistance in navigating the journey and performing Hajj rituals.
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