Zardari describes him not only as a monumental humanitarian, but also as an enduring symbol of national pride.
A file photo of the late Abdul Sattar Edhi. PHOTO: ADVERTISING/FILE
The 10th death anniversary of renowned humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi was observed on Wednesday, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paying tribute to his enduring legacy of public service and humanitarian work.
Born on February 28, 1928 in Gujarat, British India, Edhi began his social work in 1951 and went on to establish one of the largest charitable organizations in Pakistan.
He founded what became the world’s largest network of volunteer ambulances, as well as shelters for homeless people and animals, orphanages and social centers serving poor families, women, children and people with disabilities across the country.
In recognition of his services to humanity, Edhi has received numerous national and international honors, including the Asian Nobel Prize, the Lenin Peace Prize and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Edhi died in Karachi on July 8, 2016, aged 88.
In a message issued to mark the occasion, President Zardari described Edhi as “not only a monumental humanitarian but also an enduring symbol of national pride.”
“Abdul Sattar Edhi was not only a monumental humanitarian, but also an enduring symbol of national pride. His tireless work built institutions that continue to serve millions, serving as a living testament to his profound vision. His legacy remains a beacon for upholding the values… pic.twitter.com/6M70VAPCxX
– The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 8, 2026
“His tireless work built institutions that continue to serve millions of people, a living testament to his profound vision. His legacy remains a beacon for upholding the values of empathy, charity and dignity for all,” the president said.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Edhi’s lifelong commitment to serving humanity made him “a source of pride for the nation and a national asset.”
Paying tribute to his social services, the Prime Minister said Edhi underlined the social dimensions of solving public problems through his sincere dedication to the welfare of others, adding that his contributions constituted an extraordinary chapter in the social history of Pakistan.
He said figures like Edhi were role models for the younger generation, proving that every individual could play a constructive role in bringing about positive social change.
The Prime Minister added that Edhi’s public service promoted the values of compassion, tolerance and social harmony, and prayed for his high ranks, saying his contributions to society would always be remembered.
