Philanthropist, celebrated humanitarian and the icon of social and welfare service Abdul Sattar Edhi was laid to rest on Saturday as thousands attended his funeral prayers.Funeral prayers for humanitarian Abdus Sattar Edhi, who passed away yesterday after prolonged illness at the age of 88, were attended by top military and political leadership amid strict security.
President Mamnoon Hussain, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Shareef, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Ishrat ul Ebad attended the funeral held at the National Stadium.
Edhi’s funeral prayers were offered after Zuhr prayers following a guard of honour and a gun salute by the Pakistan Army.
As the state carriage leaves the stadium 19 guns salute begins- #state funeral Edhi Sahib
— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) 9 July 2016
His body, draped in Pakistan’s flag, was then taken to the Edhi village, where he will be laid to rest.
People from all walks of life including Sindh DG Rangers Maj General Bilal Akbar, Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief Minister Punjab Shehbaz Sharif, DG ISPR Gen Asim Bajwa, and SIUT head Dr Adeeb Rizvi attended the funeral at the stadium which can accommodate upto 35000 people.
Thousands of orphans and widows who benefited from the Edhi Centre are expected to attend the funeral.
People in attendance displayed great patience and discipline as final preparations were being made.
His funeral prayers were led by Maulana Ahmed Khan Niazi.
Over 2000 policemen guarded the venue.
Edhi’s family requested authorities to not block roads for the funeral.
Earlier during the day his body was brought at his Meethadar office, where his last funeral rites were performed by his son Faisal Edhi.
He will be buried at the Edhi Village where he had dug his own grave 25 years ago.