KARACHI:
With the passing of Bilquis Bano Edhi, Pakistan has lost a philanthropist, a humanitarian, but most importantly a mother. Bilquis Edhi was a woman of great stature who worked shoulder to shoulder with her husband in establishing the Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation, a welfare organisation that gained worldwide acclaim for its humanitarian work. An incredible woman in her own right, she stood by Edhi Sahib like a rock and together they formed the epitome of human compassion. After the death of her husband in July 2016, Bilquis carried on the enormous work of the foundation along with her son, Faisal Edhi.
Beneath the warm smile and casual demeanor was a woman of substance. Her quiet, selfless work for the poor, the homeless, and the orphans made her a role model for young girls and a symbol of hope for the vulnerable. Bilquis, who spent more than six decades of her life serving humanity, was best known for starting a programme of placing jhoolas outside Edhi homes across the country where unwanted babies could be left by their mothers or families. Today, some 300 cradles have been installed across Pakistan. They carry the message: “Do not kill, leave the baby to live in the cradle”. The project not only played a pivotal role in curbing infanticide but also helping willing couples find a young and healthy infant through adoption. The foundation has a strict adoption criterion and children are monitored even after they are given to the family in order to ensure that they are being provided a safe environment.
Bilquis Edhi’s greatest achievement however was that she inspired the whole nation. When victims found themselves without hope, she alongside her husband would try and pull them out of the pit of hopelessness they were stuck in. Without her, Pakistan is poorer. Her work and vision will forever remain with us. May her soul rest in peace!
Salma Tahir
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, April 24th, 2022.
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