Asif Bashir (
Pashto
Pashto ( , ; , ) is an eastern Iranian language in the Indo-European language family, natively spoken in northwestern Pakistan and southern and eastern Afghanistan. It has official status in Afghanistan and the Pakistani province of Khyb ...
, ; born 30 December 1993) is a Pakistani rescue worker, volunteer and philanthropist from
Peshawar, Pakistan
Peshawar is the capital and largest city of the Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is the sixth most populous city of Pakistan, with a district population of over 4.7 million in the 2023 census. It is situated in the north-west o ...
who gained national and international recognition for his role in the rescuing of 17 Pilgrims during
2024 Hajj extreme heat disaster.
Early life and career
Asif Bashir was born in
Peshawar
Peshawar is the capital and List of cities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by population, largest city of the Administrative units of Pakistan, Pakistani province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. It is the sixth most populous city of Pakistan, with a district p ...
,
Pakistan
Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by population, fifth-most populous country, with a population of over 241.5 million, having the Islam by country# ...
. He graduated from
COMSATS University with a degree in
Computer Systems Engineering
Computer engineering (CE, CoE, or CpE) is a branch of engineering specialized in developing computer hardware and software.
It integrates several fields of electrical engineering, electronics engineering and computer science.
Computer engine ...
. 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.
2024 Hajj pilgrimage incident
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
The Government of India (ISO 15919, ISO: Bhārata Sarakāra, legally the Union Government or Union of India or the Central Government) is the national authority of the Republic of India, located in South Asia, consisting of States and union t ...
.
Aftermath
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
The Government of India (ISO 15919, ISO: Bhārata Sarakāra, legally the Union Government or Union of India or the Central Government) is the national authority of the Republic of India, located in South Asia, consisting of States and union t ...
honored him with the
Jeevan Raksha Padak, while the
Government of Pakistan
The Government of Pakistan () (abbreviated as GoP), constitutionally known as the Federal Government, commonly known as the Centre, is the national authority of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, a federal republic located in South Asia, con ...
awarded him the Bravery Medal. Additionally, he was nominated for the
King's Gallantry Medal by the
British Government
His Majesty's Government, abbreviated to HM Government or otherwise UK Government, is the central government, central executive authority of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. .
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
*
2024 Hajj extreme heat disaster
*
Incidents during the Hajj
There have been numerous incidents during the Hajj. The Muslim pilgrimage to the cities of Mecca and Medina, that have caused loss of life. Every follower of Islam is required to perform the Hajj in Mecca at least once in their lifetime, if able t ...
*
2015 Mina stampede
On 24 September 2015, a fatal crowd crush resulted in the death of more than 2,000 individuals, many of whom were suffocated or crushed, during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mina, Mecca, Saudi Arabia, making it the deadliest Hajj disaster in hi ...
*
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
References
Pakistani philanthropists
Pakistani social workers
Pashtun people
Recipients of Sitara-i-Imtiaz
Living people
1993 births
Peshawar
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