The people of Pakistan donated millions to his foundation because they had faith and trust in his integrity
LAHORE: In Abdul Sattar Edhi’s death, millions of Pakistanis have lost a man who served humanity selflessly with commitment, devotion and humility. He was not to different from the Quaid-e-Azam — among a rare breed of men who served millions and to whom millions owe gratitude. Edhi sahib was a true Muslim who practised his faith and love for humanity, without ever exploiting religion or propagating his services for self-promotion.
The people of Pakistan donated millions to his foundation because they had faith and trust in his integrity, which unfortunately cannot be said for many other state or non-state institutions. He provided services which the state failed to provide, although welfare of the deprived was and is the constitutional obligation of every government which has held power. The Edhi Foundation operated the biggest privately-funded ambulance service, orphanages, air ambulances, hospitals and so on, serving the destitute without any discrimination as to caste, creed, or race.
If men like Edhi and Dr Adeeb Rizvi can successfully operate and manage hospitals offering free services to the poor, so could the state, if only greed and corruption-infected paid their taxes and elected public office holders had half the character, sense of honour, integrity and devotion that these two Pakistanis have. RIP Maulana sahib. I am sure his wife and children will carry on the legacy of the Edhi Foundation.
Malik Tariq Ali
Published in The Express Tribune, July 11th, 2016.
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