I am very optimistic about Pakistan-US ties because of the strong bond between the people, despite disagreements on various issues between the two countries. It is people like Abdul Sattar Edhi and his work for humanity that is a source of inspiration for both Pakistanis and Americans.
These were the words of US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter who visited the Bilquis Edhi home in Clifton on Thursday with his wife Dr Marilyn Wyatt and US Consul General William Martin.
When they first went inside the nursery section of the Edhi Shelter Home for 275 girls, the children seemed overwhelmed by the presence of so many “goras” in the humble surroundings. But when the diplomatic couple distributed Cadbury Milk bars among the children, giggles started to fill the room. “What Mr Edhi is doing especially for these female children is remarkable,” remarked Munter.
In the arts and crafts section, it was the children’s turn to reciprocate. They gave the ambassador a simple but heartfelt gift of one of their drawings. “Thank you so much for this,” he replied. “I will put this in my office.” And he was not the only one to be showered with such affection - in the crafts and skills section where half a dozen girls were learning henna art, one girl offered to colour Dr Watt’s hand in an intricate floral pattern. “This is so lovely!” she cried. “I am impressed.”
Later on, Edhi told Ambassador Munter about his visit to Waziristan and his encounter with the Taliban who he had tried to convert. “You are a very brave man,” replied the ambassador, “because of your work, you should not be scared of anyone.”
Taking advantage of the visit, Edhi discussed the problems his staff faced when it came to acquiring visas for international humanitarian work. He was assured that the ambassador would personally assist if called upon.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2011.
(Read: "Pre-departure orientation: 100 Pakistani students selected under UGRAD programme")
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@moeed: It is hard to believe but the richest man in America has donated more than 99% of his wealth to charity. Not only that he and Bill of MS are convincing more than 60 richest people of America to donate one billion dolloras each. Can anyone who a single example that any rich person has given more than 99% of his welth to charity and not his family? He has lived in a modest home all his life. Without prejudices this is one of the reasons why America is so rich and blessed. The reason I gave this example is that common Americans can be real good humans like the great Edhi. If I have to choose one person or couple in Pakistan my choice would be easy, only Edhi! Instead of bad mouthing Nobel peace prize, we have to look into millions of $ that accompany it. How many poor kids can be helped by Edhi with that much extral money? He may not be hungry for a prized or recognition but the poor kids are! http://money.cnn.com/2010/06/15/news/newsmakers/WarrenBuffettPledge_Letter.fortune/ Thanks and regards, Mirza
i dont understand why the us ambassador is involved in so much of these activities some times he is plucking mangoes from the fields and some times his wife is weeping on the rhymes of faiz but we know that they are working on the agenda which is against our country so what is the point of all this.
Darad a dil kay wastay paida kia insaan ko warna taauat kay liay kuch kum na thaay kroo biaan (allama iqbal)
A true muslim does every deed to please ALLAH [SWT]. This world is jai amaal not jai ajar.
may Allah give him reward for his work in both worlds.
@Khan: Thanks for that. That was really helpful.
@Sabin Agha: Like a petition? Not really sure how those work to be honest but it may be a good idea. We need to find otu whats in involved in granting somebody the reward, is it votes? or is it some internal decision made by the committee?
The following people can nominate someone for Noble Peace Prize ..
The right to submit proposals for the Nobel Peace Prize shall, by statute, be enjoyed by:
Members of national assemblies and governments of states; Members of international courts; University rectors; professors of social sciences, history, philosophy, law and theology; directors of peace research institutes and foreign policy institutes; Persons who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; Board members of organizations who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; Active and former members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee; (proposals by members of the Committee to be submitted no later than at the first meeting of the Committee after February 1) and Former advisers appointed by the Norwegian Nobel Institute.Hence, If we want to nominate Mr Edhi we should ask all Parliamentarians, the government and our University professors to contact NoblePrize.org and get the nomination forms for him.
Website: www.nobelprize.org Facebook: Nobel Prize
@Aadersh: Does it worth it after a peace nobel price is awarded to a person waging war all over the world (Mr. Obama)? I think Edhi is well above the level of Nobel Price holders in humanitarian works.
@Ris: Edhi sahab told me personally that he had been nominated for Nobel prize a record SEVEN times but never made it, Edhi sahab's close aide and coordinator Anwar Kazmi sahab told me that last time's nomination also included Edhi sahab's name but the US president Barack Obama won the prize-
I have a suggestion to make- what if a countrywide signature campaign be initiated on all forums to build up voice to get Edhi Sahab Nobel prize?!
@Aadersh: You have a good point? I am quite interested to know how we could get a nomination ball rolling. Edhi has invested majority of his life into helping others. The least we could do is push for a peace prize.
Abdul star Edhi nor his wife need any award,reward nor any Medal from us or from abroad and I believe he is a symble and identity of pakistan and Allah is giving and will be give him not in here but after too.
I pray oh Allah make us like him Ameen.
Abdul Rauf khan
We want Noble Prize for Edhi!!
MashAllah :) Edhi doesn't need recognition for his work from people like these!