First death anniversary: No government representative visits Edhi's grave to pay homage

People from all walks of life remember the humanitarian philanthropist

On the first death anniversary of one of the most revered humanitarians of the world, Abdul Sattar Edhi, neither the state nor the government bothered to pay tribute or at least show some respect for his services for people in times when both institutions failed to fulfill their responsibility.

Edhi was 88 years old when he left a nation orphaned on the fateful night of July 8 last year. He was honoured with a state funeral, as the country's president, the then army chief and others attended prayers for him at the National Stadium.



Although people from all walks of life visited on Saturday his grave at the Edhi Village near Nooriabad off the main Super Highway, no state or government representative visited, reflecting an established practice of forgetting the indelible very soon.

The hallmark of his life, simplicity, was also evident and kept intact in his afterlife. The mausoleum - his tombstone is laid under - appeared to be the house of a labourer, who, despite sweating blood all his life, could not even muster enough money to build a proper shelter for himself.

Lacking in materialism, the place was rich in spirituality. Serenity prevailed across the 65-acre piece of land which many homeless people call home.



Orphaned children, outcast adults and others who live there openheartedly welcomed people coming to pay respects to their Baba (father or fatherly figure). Children referred to the visitors as 'mehman' (guests).

Edhi's son Faisal and other family members were present at the mausoleum. Most of the time, they were seen giving interviews to journalists who asked them to share their thoughts on the occasion. At other times, they were seen sitting on the ground and talking to the people who took shelter at the village.

The death anniversary gathering continued till late afternoon. The Edhi family, excluding Faisal, left the gathering only after being convinced that all the visitors had eaten lunch, which was served by the volunteers.