Death threats: Edhi's family seeks police protection

Faisal Edhi, son claim criminals threatened them in city courts premises after robbery case hearing

KARACHI: Family of late philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi has sought police protection after they received death threats from criminals who were arrested over their alleged involvement in the robbery at Edhi Foundation's head office about two years ago.

Edhi's son, Faisal Edhi, and grandson, Saad Edhi, received death threats in the premises of the city courts on Saturday.

These threats were received just after Faisal, who has been heading the foundation after his father's death, and Saad pleaded the court for justice over the robbery at Kharadar's Edhi Centre.



"Junaid, one of the suspects who were arrested and later released on bail, threatened me and my father [Faisal] during Saturday's hearing," Saad claimed. "Some of the accused in the case failed to show up for hearings citing medical grounds and an arrest warrant against them must be issued so they can be presented in court."

In October, 2014, eight robbers stormed the Edhi Foundation head office in Mithadar, held its staff hostage at gunpoint, woke up the late philanthropist who had the keys to the safe and took away at least Rs170 million in gold and cash. The suspects were arrested by the Counter-Terrorism Department. However, all the six people accused in the case were granted bail and released.



The late philanthropist's family has approached the police and demanded police protection after receiving the threats. "We asked the relevant police officials to provide us protection," Saad said. "We do not want security round the clock but we asked the police to provide security only in the court's premises during hearing of the case." Police officials said they are investigating the incident and will soon decide on what legal action can be taken.