Indian ministers have praised a Pakistani citizen for his heroic actions in saving the lives of 17 Indian pilgrims during the extreme heat in Makkah earlier this year.
Asif Bashir, a 32-year-old database supervisor from Peshawar, working at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, volunteered to assist pilgrims during Hajj. He exhibited extraordinary courage and compassion, providing water, and life-saving medicines, and carrying multiple pilgrims on his shoulder for three to four kilometers.
Bashir saved the lives of approximately 26 pilgrims, including 17 Indians, who had fainted due to the extreme heat. Indian authorities recognized his bravery in Saudi Arabia.
“Your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to serving the pilgrims have been truly commendable,” said Indian Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Minister for Women and Child Development Smriti Irani in letters to Bashir, acknowledging his exceptional humanitarian spirit.
“I am particularly impressed by your remarkable act of kindness and bravery in providing first aid and transporting patients to the hospitals on your shoulder when ambulances and medical staff were occupied,” noted Kiren Rijiju in a letter shared by Bashir with APP. “Your bravery will be remembered and your actions will inspire many to follow in your footsteps,” the minister added.
Bashir recounted to APP the events during a devastating heatwave that gripped the city as pilgrims returned from Mina to Makkah. Amidst the chaos and panic, with many unconscious pilgrims from India, Pakistan, and Egypt, Bashir took immediate action.
Despite the overwhelming situation, he stood firm, providing drinking water and ORS to around 350 to 400 pilgrims. “During the rescue, I did not discriminate against the nationality of the person I was helping; my entire effort was aimed at serving humanity by saving those in critical condition,” Bashir remarked.
