Edhi being remembered on 2nd death anniversary

Abdul Sattar Edhi was a noted philanthropist and a humanitarian known by the people around the globe.

He was born on February, 1928 in Gujrat (India). Later on, he migrated to Pakistan and lived there till his death on July 8, 2016.

People outside Pakistan consider him merely as a philanthropist and social worker. But, however, for so many Pakistanis he was much more. He was like a parent that many children never had, a shelter for the unprivileged, and a helping hand for those who needed it. He was truly a real-life superhero.

He founded the Edhi Foundation, a non-profit social welfare program, in 1951. This organization provides a home to abandoned children, women and elderly, free treatment and medication, ambulance service, rehabilitation, education and skills and many other ways in assisting people.

But what made him great was his modesty and devotion to what he stood for. He chose to live a minimalistic life. His residence was with the people he took care of, next to his workplace and according to a report he owned two pairs of shalwar kameez and never took a salary from the organization.

Over and above, he never differentiated or discriminated against the minorities. He was once asked that why did he aid Christians and Hindus and his reply was "Because my ambulance is more Muslim than you.”

For him, “being human” meant to help those in need as it is a responsibility of every individual and a way to eradicate a number of problems that exist in our society.

During his illness, he was offered a kidney treatment abroad by former president Asif Ali Zardari but he refused it and preferred to get treated in Pakistan.

Government of Pakistan had conferred Edhi with Nishan-e-Imtiaz in 1989.

Besides, he has been awarded with several national and international awards including Shield of Honour by Pakistan Army, Gandhi Peace Award, UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize and many more. He was also nominated for Nobel Peace Prize and Tipperary International Peace Prize.

He was immersed in his work despite his old age and illness. During his life, he successfully built a foundation for the people of Pakistan upon which so many have been able to seek safety and assistance. He has not only left a mark that shall outshine forever but his work and his life is an example from which we, as a nation, should learn, follow and carry forward his legacy.