Greatest humanitarian: Sindh mourns, social activists pay tribute

Edhi’s down-to-earth nature could be seen through his act of digging his own grave 25 years ago, says Sara Sehar

SUKKUR/ HYDERABAD: Although Abdul Sattar Edhi is not with us anymore, his institutions will continue serving the poor and needy and therefore will become immortal, said Riverside Development Organisation programme manager Sara Sehar.

The news about the death of Edhi, who was a humanitarian and the founder of Edhi Foundation, came as a shock for the nation. Edhi dedicated his life to serve the humanity without any discrimination and sacrificed his private family life to serve the people, Sehar said. Edhi’s down-to-earth nature could be seen through his act of digging his own grave 25 years ago, the social activist said, adding that he received billions of rupees funds but he always led a simple life and even refused to go abroad for his treatment. Sanam Fakir, who started her own welfare association after taking inspiration from Edhi, believes his death is a national loss. “Today a fakir was given a royal farewell,” she said, adding that his untiring social work and love for humanity was a light house for other social workers.

“It will be right to call Edhi the pioneer of social work in Pakistan,” she said, adding that Edhi led the life of a fakir, died like a king and was buried like an emperor. Fakir added that she salutes him for inspiring her and many others and hoped that Edhi’s mission will continue. Expressing his heartfelt condolences, Sukkur Small Traders president and Sukkur Development Alliance chairperson, Jawed Memon, said Edhi’s death is an irreparable loss. He added that it seems like Edhi was born to serve humanity and he kept on widening his services for the poor throughout his life, without even thinking about his own life. The trade community of Sukkur will hold Quran Khawani for the departed soul today, Memon said and appealed to the government to name some public places after the great philanthropist.

While paying tribute to Edhi, Khatib Jamia Mosque Sukkur Qari Jameel Ahmed said Edhi served humans throughout his life without any discrimination and God will reward him for his humanitarian services. “May Allah rest his soul in eternal peace and provide courage to his family to bear this loss and continue his mission,” he prayed.

Hyderabad pays homage

Hyderabad remained closed on Saturday, as the traders and industrialists called for a complete shutdown of the markets to mourn Edhi’s death, while trade activities in Mirpurkhas and Nawabshah divisions also remained suspended.

Local politicians and representatives of the civil society also grieved the irrevocable loss. The national flag hoisted at half-mast at government public buildings. “Edhi was a messiah who felt compassion for humanity,” Milli Yakjahti Council head Sahibzada Abul Khair Muhammad Zubair said. “In his death, a paramount chapter of selfless service to humanity has closed,” he added. At a condolence reference for Edhi organised at Hyderabad Club, Sindh information adviser Moula Bux Chandio said Edhi served the people, regardless of their religion, sect or ethnicity. “He was a support for the elderly persons, widows, orphans and other people in need,” he said. Chandio added that the best way to tribute Edhi is to make him a model, follow his footsteps and continue his mission. “There is a drought of good people and those who build institution in the country,” Chandio said, adding that he wishes more humans like Edhi are born again in Pakistan.

While paying homage to the philanthropist, Hyderabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Seth Goharullah suggested that July 8 should be observed every year as a charity day to honour Edhi. Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry also made a similar recommendation. “The nation should observe Edhi day every year on July 8 to pay tribute to Edhi,” said the chamber’s president, Muhammad Akram Ansari. Edhi’s service to humanity will always be remembered, said Qaumi Awami Tehreek president Ayaz Latif Palijo.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 10^th, 2016.