KARACHI:
Leading humanitarian worker Abdul Sattar Edhi is in danger of being taken hostage by a militant group in exchange for prisoners that it wants sprung free, authorities have revealed.
Edhi, while talking to The Express Tribune, stated that he was informed by the authorities a few weeks back that his life was in danger. “I was told that the ‘fauj’ (Pakistan Army) had intercepted a conversation of militants where it was being discussed that I may come to be harmed,” he said.
Edhi Foundation spokesperson Anwar Kazmi elaborated that the nation’s most recognisable charity worker was warned that he could be taken hostage in exchange for some prisoners that the ‘Taliban’ wanted to get released — an allegation the militant group has denied.
Crime Investigation Department (CID) Senior Superintendent Police (SSP) Chaudhry Aslam confirmed that the intelligence reports they had received sometime back indicated that Edhi may be kidnapped by militants in exchange for either “some of their men in custody” or a “large ransom amount”.
“There was a letter in which there were three names, which included my name, Malir SSP Rao Anwar’s and Edhi’s,” he said.
This is the first time that Edhi’s name has been mentioned in a militant group’s hit list. After SSP Anwar was attacked in a suicide bomb in April, it was decided that Edhi’s security would be beefed up as a precautionary measure.
Security provisions
Despite the threat to his life, Edhi remains unfazed and calm in light of this development. “Only God knows what the truth is,” he says. “I don’t have enmity with anyone or any group. I do humanitarian work for everybody without any prejudice.”
Since the threats surfaced, Edhi is being provided with round-the-clock police security — with two official guards escorting him everywhere he goes. “Never before in his life had Edhi ever asked or given security by the state,” the spokesperson said.
Currently, two policemen from the Kharadar police station have been deployed for his security who work in two shifts of 12-hours each, according to Station House Officer (SHO) Agha Asadullah. “We can increase the number of policemen, if need be,” he said.
Edhi himself appears irritated by the presence of policemen near him at all times — especially given that he has to keep the Kharadar police station informed about his movements constantly. “I don’t want any of this security. I really feel there’s no need for it,” he said modestly. Although he is being asked to restrict his movements as a precaution, Edhi said he won’t allow anything to stop him. “I am going to Hyderabad next to do some relief work there,” he said.
TTP reaction
His son Faisal revealed that a three-member delegation of the local chapter of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) recently came to the Edhi office to clarify their position about the alleged threats.
“They said to us that this is all government propaganda to malign the Taliban movement,” he said. “They also added that they respected Edhi for his humanitarian work and could not even think of doing him any harm.”
SSP Aslam said that the good news was that according to recent reports, Edhi’s name had not been mentioned again. “We receive a number of intelligence reports which mention a lot of famous personalities on the hit list on a weekly basis. So hopefully all will remain well.”
Reacting to the development, Edhi said: “I don’t know who [wants to harm me] or why. “I only know that I have to continue to do my work -- no matter what.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2012.
COMMENTS (18)
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It is sad to see a man of Mr. Sattar Edhi’s stature being targeted by the terrorists. Mr. Edhi is a selfless man who has worked to reduce the suffering of people all over the world. We commend him for all the good work he’s done for the common man. Terrorist organization TTP are once again showing their true colors by threatening someone who works for the betterment of the nation. It’s times like these when we should remind ourselves who poses the threat to the nation. It’s easy for many to indulge in conspiracy theories and shift the blame in all directions, but a situation like this leaves very little to ponder regarding their evil motives. They simply do not wish to see the region thrive in peace. And for that same reason, they wish to see our nations part ways. But the responsibility of eliminating this menace rests with our governments. We must fully support our governments in eliminating this menace that continues to haunt the nation. We must find a way to overcome our differences, and combine our strength against these terrorists that are preventing us from bringing peace and stability to the region.
Capt. Joseph Kreidel DET-United States Central Command www.centcom.mil/ur
We need more than prayers to save Edhi Sahib!
Sad that the non state actors are free and secure and this man of god whom the whole world respects and love is under threat
Edhi Sahib will be kept safe inshallah by the prayers of the millions of people whose lives he has affected. I believe he can live his life with complete absence of fear. What has a man to fear when he has absolute faith in God and absolute love for his fellow human beings? Bless you Edhi sahib. In this nation's short history, no man has been so universally loved, respected and admired as you have.
This is possibly the one sincere and honest person in that country that has a public profile. May Allah (SWA) protect him, his numerous co-workers/volunteers and the work they do. AMEEN.
how come taliban delegation is visiting in karachi and the presss knows about it???/
We salute you Edhi. You are our main pillar!
Shocking news.
the day this happens, I would lose complete faith in my country
God forbid. Let us all pray and hope for the best but must prepare for the worst.
Not very hard to assume who want to put us in chaos and civil war.
Technically the denials from militants could be misleading. Though even with the extremely bad opinion of TTP I hold, for some reason the way they did it comes off as sincere to me. Obviously, considering their record, I could be extremely wrong, though. But, there's something important can't be forgotten. Those groups also have inner turmoil at times and turn on each other. So, hypothetically, while some of TTP are against it, the clashing faction may not be and plan to do it with the use of the group's name.
Why would anyone will harm this man who has been in the forefront to help the needy without any reservation. I salute you Mr.Edhi for your sincere work for the nation of Pakistan.
No wonder! Who can say this can not happen?
I love you Abdul Sattar Edhi sahab. My prayers are always with you for your safety and well being! May Allah SWT protect you always and may He give you strength to live for 1000 years. You are a great human being! The only leader now i admire in Pakistan.