President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the prestigious award of Sitara-II-Imtiaz on Asif Bashir in recognition of his extraordinary services in public service at a special investment ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
The ceremony was attended by Members of Parliament and other dignitaries.
As noted in the citation read out at the ceremony, Aif Bashir, a computer operator from the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Peshawar, was selected by the Federal Ministry of Religious Affairs to serve as Moavin-i-Hajj (Hajj assistant) during from the previous Hajj Operation of the year.
During the Hajj, the temperature reached an extreme Celsius of 51.8 degrees, causing serious difficulties to several pilgrims. Despite the difficult conditions, the Moavineen provided invaluable assistance to Pakistani and international pilgrims, often unrecognized for their efforts.
Atif Bashir’s role was particularly crucial when he served in Mina, where tents for pilgrims from Pakistan, India and other countries were set up.
On the 9th Zil Hajj, a heatwave drove several elderly pilgrims from Pakistan to India and the United Kingdom, and tragically, 1,300 people lost their lives that day. Amid this crisis, Aif Bashir and his five-member team quickly responded, providing first aid to affected pilgrims. With remarkable determination, Aif Bashir physically carried 26 pilgrims, including 17 Indian nationals, on his shoulders to the hospital, saving their lives.
In recognition of their courageous actions, India’s Minister of Minority Affairs sent a letter of appreciation recognizing the exceptional hospitality and responsibility shown by the Pakistani team.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is expected to introduce a new policy, ‘Ghar Se Ghar Tak’, to ensure enhanced support and facilitation for pilgrims traveling for Hajj in 2025.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the overall Hajj experience, will provide comprehensive service to pilgrims from their departure to 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 Nazmeens will be designated, with one guide assigned for every 150 pilgrims.
These guides will accompany pilgrims from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and back, providing vital assistance in navigating the journey and performing Hajj rituals.
