Five kilos of gold and foreign currency worth Rs20 million were also reportedly stolen from the Eidhi centre located in the Mithadar area. Philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi was present at the centre and held hostage during the robbery.
While talking to Express News, Edhi said he was woken up from his sleep by the dacoits who walked straight to the cupboard where the money and gold was kept.
“I thought they came to ask me about the Edhi centre but they started asking me about money. I don’t understand how they [dacoits] knew that everything was kept in the cupboard,” he said.
"The money and gold stolen belonged to those who entrusted me with it," Edhi said.
His son, Faisal Edhi, confirmed that eight to ten men entered the centre and took his father and others present at the centre hostage.
Further, Faisal added that the dacoits were at the centre for half an hour.
“The police responded efficiently and has registered a case,” Faisal said, adding that a forensic team would also arrive shortly at the centre to investigate the matter.
COMMENTS (83)
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@SamSal: Have you seen how Edhi and his wife live? If they spent even a fraction of that gold and foreign currency worth Rs20 million on themselves, they surely wouldn't be sat be eating lentil soup on the floor every day of their lives. If you live in Pakistan I strongly advise you to go and see how he lives and what work he does on a daily basis. Whilst we sit here and say we want to do something for our country, these people DO!! People from all over the world donate money and other belongings to Edhi to help his charity.
Sorry, but your ignorance angers me. Educate yourself before posting such comments and misleading another 149 people, who came and liked your comment!
This incidence gave me doubts that no charity organization in Pakistan can be trusted. What they are doing with Kilos of Gold and million of Rupees? I hope Edhi should give a statement and let public should know as they pay the charity.
@m omar: Idiot. this is not Naya Pakistan. It is still the same old Pakistan that MQM, PPP and PMLN have built.
Thank God, this was not blamed on Malala.
Million dollar question: Why this much gold and money was not deposited into a Bank??
Is there any proper auditing mechanism in place for charities in Pakistan. The financial transactions of charities should be transparent.
@idkwattosay: No money in Foreign currency can be paid physically amounting at $400,000.
It is a slap on PPP good governance.
There is no difference between those dacoits and the people who are questioning 'why gold and money was kept at home'
India is behind this
Knowing the law and order situation in the country in general, and in Karachi specifically, why such amount of currency and gold was not secured properly? There are banks and vaults available in the city of Karachi. This gross negligence ought to be investigated seriously.
@SamSal: He used to keep gold and money as (AMANAT) ... hope you are familiar with the term!!!
Everyone here is right that Mr Edhi gets donations worth millions from around the world BUT safeguarding and safekeeping of these funds and spending it wisely in an efficient manner is his job,in this day & age when banks are there for keeping money safely and bank deposit lockers are there for keeping valuables like Gold etc then its (criminal) negligence on the part of Edhi foundation to keep so much Gold,cash money,foreign currency in cupboard like that.
Someone in earlier comment rightly pointed out,Mr Edhi's young second wife also ran away with gold and foreign currency worth millions some times back. So its carelessness on part of Edhi foundation that they don't have proper checks in place that people are blindly donating him money and gold but they're not properly safeguarding these donations.
To those who are doubting the source and quantity of Gold and cash at the center have no clue of the volume of donations that the center handles and the generosity of Muslims in general and Pakistanis in particular when they start trusting someone, in this case Edhi. During the 2005 Earthquake donation drive, just from Jeddah Saudi Arabia people donated more than 12 kilograms of Gold within 3 days for relief activities. Most of that Gold was sent to different collection locations for Edhi foundation. A lot of the Gold and cash was given by Saudi women and families and they trust Edhi just like 99.99% of Pakistanis.
This is such sad news! What makes this news sadder is the reactions of fellow Pakistani's. It was only last week that Pakistani's were champoining Edhi saab and saying that he should be given nobel prize instead of Malala. Now that he has been burgeled, the reaction of Pakistani's is: why did he have so much money in his home?!? This mentality of blaming the victim needs to change from our mind set.
@Baba Jalal: He's using the money for the welfare of humanity, who in the world are you to accuse him of such treacherous actions after seeing all that he has done? And I myself would prefer keeping my valuables at home under my own control rather than banks or the lockers there that get robbed quite often! Think twice before pointing a finger at someone else so easily!
I have lost faith in Pakistani people. You people are the most morally corrupt ones in the world. On one side you fight that Edhi was supposed to get the Nobel Peace Award, on the other side you rob the person who you nominated.
You deserve what is happening to you right now!
@idkwattosay: A honest charity will keep the money in a BANK and have records to prove donations. Edhi claims that his friends have given gold to him for SAFE KEEPING. I smell some thing fishy. An honest audit is needed.
I am pretty sure it has something to do with People Party workers came from internal Sindh..
Edhi is a man trusted by millions all over the world who donate to him generously and he runs one of the biggest charity organisations in the region and the biggest private funded ambulance service in the country. Inspite of this, he has been harassed by the criminal Mafia of Karachi ever since the time of Musharraf. During his tenure, followed by AZ led coalition, Edhi offices have been ransacked and attacked to prevent them from hide collection on Eid ul Azha by the ethnic criminal Mafia of this city. The Sind government is responsible for security and they must bring culprits to justice. Edhi Welfare Trust provides relief to millions of poor, the orphans and the handicapped, apart from destitute senior citizens. The Establishment of this country must ensure that Edhi gets proper security.
Really very much sad news........
Thousand of police protect the VIP who are a burden to our society. Why cannot the same police force protect people and organizations like Edhi who are actually contributing to society.
Omar, the great caliph was asked to explain how did he get the cloth for his dress? What every body got would not be enough for a tall person. He explained to the crowd in mosque.So why are you guys bent out of shape about the origin and guardianship of money. Accountability is for everybody.
For those who are questioning the presence of money and gold at Edhi's possession, Once, a long time ago, I was in audience and he told us that he keep cash and gold and use hundi to transfer money because government delay release of money which causes problems for his volunteers, this way he goes with money and start releaf work first. Also, he said, he do not want audit, because those who give him the money trust him, he do not accept donations from corporations and governments who want to regulate his work through audit. Charity in his opinion should be blind, indiscriminate and without bounds, which governments do not tolerate.
The world is definitely coming to an end. This is the height of shame for Pakistan
so is this like after benazir death, crime went up, as all riff raffs were brought by ppp to do protest? so now after bilawal rally now crime will also go up like that kya?
In the corrupt and criminal rule of Wadera Corruption Party thugs even Edhi is not spared of the loot. Go Zardari Go.
Don't know what to say about Edhi Sahab being robbed. Our people are most generous when it comes to helping Maulana Abdul Edhi; yet we have shameless creatures around us who can rob this angel. May Allah have mercy on us.
A REQUEST TO ALL: IN FUTURE WHENEVER YOU INTEND TO GIVE ZAKAT/SADQA/DONATIONS; GIVE PRIORITY TO EDHI FOUNDATION. LET'S PLAY OUR ROLE IN BEING PART OF EDHI SAHAB'S EFFORTS AND TELL THE WORLD HOW PAKISTANIS ARE CAPABLE OF RESPONDING TO THIS INCIDENT IN A POSITIVE MANNER.
Disgraceful to the core, including some comments here. If Edhi had something to hide, then this story would have never gone public and no case filed. The funds and gold were clearly legitimate and for the purposes of serving the poor in some way. Can we just focus on the point that Pakistan has just hit a new all-time low. Please make dua to save us all.
I can't believe this! Do we have no shame left in us! We are questioning the man who spent his life working for those who were neglected, ignored! All of those who are criticizing Edhi are shameless losers! :@
We don't deserve someone as noble and kind as Abdul Sattar Edhi Sahab.
I am angry... Very angry today. My head was down in shame but today anger has taken over. When I lived in Karachi some 3 decades years ago. I had the opportunity of meeting this Angle on earth, a soft spoken person. The whole city was out of oxygen and a friend's grandmother needed it for life support. We went and picked one up.... He was sitting on a bench in his grey Pajama and Kameez his cap on his head. The money is there from donation. It is for the needy. People drop off their donations at his center in the old city. Everywhere in the world there are some rules... Some folks are never touched even by Dons and the most corrupt. Either because of respect or fear of the Lord. This nation has lost both "RESPECT" and "FEARING THE LODR". Just think what will happen. There is no reprisal for people who commit crimes like this. They should be ratted out and hunted down. They all deserve a bullet in the head and left to rot. I guess Edhi shaeb would not let it happen, he will go himself and wash their rotten body with kindness and bury them with honor... But what about their souls?????
I feel really sad at this incident since the money lost in this incident can hardly be brought back by our efficient police system and I pray to Allah almighty for the recovery of this lost money because i can feel how Mr Abdul Sattar edhi would feel right now :( and it simply is not his mistake rather the government must be held responsible for this. Is this the protection you give for a person who spent years of his life for the help of humanity?? such a shame for the government
When the entire Police force is used for security of a jalsa, the dacoits have an open ground. This is the time that the nation should throw away the dharna, jalsa stuff and focus on re-building Pakistan tarnished by dictatorship, suicide blasts, target killings, land mafias and extortionists.
Certain people in our nation have reached to such low levels that they don't even spare robbing charity money, could there be anything pethatic then such an act?
To all those who are raising questions about WHY THE MONEY AND GOLD WAS KEPT THERE.. Please understand the word "entrusted" used by Edhi Sahb. There are people who do not approve of the banks due to religious or other reasons.
Truth is, we the Pakistanis can never repay this man!
Sad story. And even sadder when ignorant people start questioning the motive of people like edhi. Such a shameful state of affairs, so very shameful.
@ModiFied: The nation considers him honest enough to spend their money and gold wisely. Since when have a few evil men defined an entire society for you? Would you rather define India as a country of rapists because of a few sorry incidents? I think you and your ilk would.
My comment has not violated any of your community rules and I wonder why you haven't posted them yet. Bunch of sissies. You do realize that this is how you lose followership, right?
People's Aman needs funds!
@SamSal: dude muslims from all around the world send him donations as it is well known that he will put the money to actual good use. so such an amount being there is no big deal.
Was this zakat money or Edhis personal money?
Plz be kind when referring to this earth angel. Who does what and who are informers we know not. If he wanted he has had years between today and 2 decades of robbing us. But he has not. He has mass orphan marriages. ..so what he had collected that amount.
For those questioning Edhi please die of shame right now... Pathetic people with low sick mentality please leave this planet!
@SamSal: Dear sir There people in the country who donate gold, furniture, clothes esp bridal wear everyday to Edhi Sahab for his hundreds of orphans. Some one must have known on the inside he had money with him. Please have a heart when doubting earth angels
People donate to his charity in a number modes. This includes local and foreign currency based cash, Direct bank deposits, International wire transfers, and jewelry donations.
Educate yourself, Mr Samsai
@SamSal:
Well done. Naya Pakistan mubarak to all Pakistanis!
This incident made me feel more sad then getting mugged myself – those dacoits should be ashamed of what they did today – that was the money of widows, orphans and like one of those lying on the street dead. When their own family disowns their body its Edhi Sb. giving them kaffan and proper burial. Shame on these dacoits
@SamSal: why do you feel it should raise any questions? have you seen the work edhi does? do you know how he lives or his family. Go to an Edhi centre and check it out. there is no doubt that any money they get is spent on his charity work. and they do get a load of donations from all over Pakistan
Why would anybody keep this amount of any currency and gold in the office? At the risk of offending great majority, proper accounting needs to done. This does not appear to be proper custodianship of public trust money.
@SamSal: You are asking the question which Police always asks to a victim of robbery.... what you was doing there or how did u get that money or why u kept the money at home . . . Not asking about incident . . .
Don't worry Edhi, Inshallah we will bring back your stolen money and will eliminate such people from the society.You keep your good work and do not give up, we really need people like you. You are our pride Mr Edhi.
Nothing is sacred anymore...with the way crimes have risen and been widespread, like home invasions or gunpoint street thefts, with barely any crackdown, is it really a surprise? Its nearing post-apocalyptic levels where traumatized people are just better off forming militias in their neighbourhoods against them.
Strange! I didn’t understand that why he kept the huge public money in his house.
@SamSal: the gold and money belonged to hundreds of poor families who have saved it for marriage of their children and entrusted their belongings to Edhi for safe custody
Absolutely disgusting.
@Baba Jalal: If you have gutts ask this from your leaders not Edhi who has given his whole life to Pakistan.And Ehdi is given millions of dollars in donation ...
Noble Prize given to Edhi by Pakistanis.
The reality of PPP governance.
is it legal to keep foreign currency in Pakistan?
Some commentators don't get the point that it was a Cash collection Edhi center. For such a simple man who did not have the love of cash would keep the cash in a Cupboard. On the other hand,. the person who has looted cash from Pakistanis will think of a much safer place like Swiss accounts.
wish I never heard this news :(
This is the difference between us and West which scums don't understand. West gives honour and money but we dishonor and steal money.
Shows the depth to which we have fallen as a society. Yet there are those among us who say continuing with the present 'democratic' system and leadership will gradually cleanse it. It won't! It is rotten and broken to the core and it is getting worse by the day as the ruling elite's priorities are widely off and put personal agendas far ahead of public interest.
Edhi Sahib is our Mother teresa
Edhi Sahib should get the Nobel Pease Price ! instead of Malala.
Five kilo of gold and 20Million Rupees are not to be kept in the cupboards.
This is alami saazish to destroy Pakistan. No Muslim will ever do this.
Abdul Sattar Edhi served Pakistani nation for 63 years. He dedicated his whole life for humanity. Instead of giving him honour and respect, the same Pakistani people are looting him. I am burning with curiosity to meet the women who gave birth to such heartless creatures who were involved in this robbery.
Whose money and whose Gold in Edhi's cupboard ? I thought the Bank was the place to keep ones money and the Bank Locker for Gold. I presume there are adequate records to show the source of those funds too, but is anyone going to ask for them ?
work of Namaloom Afraad surely..Karachi you see
Why was 2 crore rupees and 5 Kilos of gold lying with Edhi saab?? Who keeps the hisaab?
Some time ago his second wife also ran away with CRORES!! Should we trust him? His son spends most of his time in London!! How? WHy?
where a philanthropist likeEdhi sb can be robbed there any bad can be happened. I am feeling ashame with in my self. its also indicayes that we are at the edge of demolishing as a society.
What a nation. Did not spare even the man whom all Pakistanis consider like a saint and worthy of winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
This incident made me feel more sad then getting mugged myself - those dacoits should be ashamed of what they did today - that was the money of widows, orphans and like one of those lying on the street dead. When their own family disowns their body its Edhi Sb. giving them kaffan and proper burial. Shame on these dacoits
So now the desperate are looting charity and welfare organisations that are dedicated to filling a the void left by corrupt governments. Wake up Pakistanis. ~Red is the color of my vote~
who ever did this . should not be allowed to get away with it . he should not find shelter in any way shape or form. otherwise next time someone wants to do any charitable endeavor for this country they ll think it over ten times. there are a hundred thousand other targets with as much if not more cash that could v been hit and the people would carry on business as usual . but this should not be allowed to pass. the HIGHEST levels of law enforcement agencies should actively get involved in this otherwise we need a complete overhaul of state machinery
Due the worst situation in the city where one knew whats going in city! I m fail to understand that why such huge amount of cash and gold was kept simpy almirah instead of keeping in safe? Investigation must be started within the Edhi Trust to solve this decoity.
No worries, we have our efficient police force to reply upon for recovery of stolen goods...
On this occasion A noble price should be given To bilawal and CM of Sindh for such amazing condition of Karachi.
Presence of five kilos of gold and foreign currency worth Rs20 million at Edhi Centre doesn't raise any questions?
Long live Pakistan...