The Soyem of Abdul Sattar Edhi, Pakistan’s most celebrated humanitarian, was held at Memon Masjid on Sunday amidst tight security. Quran Khawani was simultaneously held at Memon Masjid and the residence of the late humanitarian leader.
A large number of people, senior political leaders, including Muttahida Qaumi Movement’s Dr Farooq Sattar and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s Dr Arif Alvi, were among those in attendance.
Leader of Opposition in National Assembly Khursheed Shah and Sindh Assembly Speaker Agha Siraj Durrani also visited the residence of Abdul Sattar Edhi and offered condolences to Edhi’s son Faisal Edhi.
Law enforcement personnel were heavily deployed around the venue with around 400 police officers on site to ensure security. Rangers personnel were also stationed in the old city area of the metropolis to maintain law and order.
Heavy traffic was barred on the road linking Bolton Market to Tower, while special measures were taken to ensure traffic control near the venue.
Revered by many as a national hero, Abdul Sattar Edhi created a charitable empire out of nothing. He masterminded Pakistan’s largest welfare organisation almost single-handedly, entirely with private donations.
Edhi was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013 but had been unable to get a transplant due to frail health and was receiving treatment at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT).
While undergoing a scheduled dialysis on Friday, Edhi felt difficulty breathing after which doctors decided to shift him onto a ventilator.
The humanitarian passed away at the age of 88 in Karachi on Friday night.
Thousands of people, including high-profile politicians and government officials, gathered at the National Stadium to attend Edhi’s funeral prayers on Saturday.
The iconic social worker was given a guard of honour and a 19-gun salute by the Pakistan Army as his body was taken away from the National Stadium after a state funeral.
His body was then taken to Edhi village, where he was laid to rest.
All three chiefs of the armed forces were in attendance at the funeral alongside President Mamnoon Hussain, DG Rangers Bilal Akber, Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar and DG ISPR Lt Gen Asim Bajwa.
CONDOLENCES FROM BAN KI-MOON, SUN WEIDONG:
Meanwhile, General Secretary of United Nations (UN) Ban Ki-moon expressed grief over the sad demise of great humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi.
Ban said that Edhi was a living legend who always taught to do justice, kindness and sympathy with every human being regardless of religion and racism. He said that Edhi has changed lives of several people with his simplicity and honesty. The UN general secretary also pledged support with the bereaved family and Pakistani nation.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong also expressed his grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Edhi.
In his condolence message, the envoy said, “I offer deep condolences on demise of Abdul Sattar Edhi. He is a respected humanitarian and will be remembered forever.”