US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale has said that they were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Abdul Sattar Edhi. His compassion for humanity was reflected in every aspect of his life’s work, he said, and added that he came from humble beginnings and saw great suffering around him in his youth, and used those lessons to help others.
In a statement on Monday, the ambassador said in the course of more than 60 years of philanthropy, Abdul Sattar Edhi shaped the charitable giving in Pakistan. With his wife, Bilquis Edhi, he created the Edhi Foundation, which provided humanitarian assistance to hundreds of thousands of people in need, both in Pakistan and abroad, it added.
“Whether creating the world’s largest ambulance service, providing free and low-cost medical care, training nurses, or building rehabilitation and welfare centers throughout the country, Edhi’s life work was devoted to providing assistance and care wherever there was a need. In the United States, his foundation gave $100,000 for relief efforts related to hurricane Katrina. His legacy is his generosity, his humility, and his humanity,” the statement continued.
Hale said his loss will be felt throughout the world and they join the people of Pakistan and the Edhi family in mourning the passing of this great man.