Biography of Abdul Sattar Edhi:
Abdul Sattar Edhi (1928 – 8 July 2016) was a prominent Pakistani philanthropist, humanitarian, and the founder of the Edhi Foundation, one of the largest and most organized social welfare systems in Pakistan.
Here is a brief biography of Abdul Sattar Edhi:
Early Life:
Birth: Abdul Sattar Edhi was born on January 1, 1928, in Gujarat, British India (now in Pakistan).
Early Challenges: Edhi’s family faced financial hardships, and he himself witnessed the impact of the 1947 partition of India.
 |
| Biography of Abdul Sattar Edhi |
Abdul Sattar Edhi’s Edhi Foundation:
Founding of the Edhi Foundation: In 1951, Abdul Sattar Edhi established the Edhi Foundation, initially as a small dispensary to provide medical services in Karachi.
Growth and Diversification: Over the years, the Edhi Foundation expanded its services to include orphanages, homes for the elderly, blood and drug banks, mortuaries, and burial services.
Social Services:
Ambulance Service: Edhi is widely recognized for introducing the concept of an ambulance service in Pakistan. The Edhi Foundation operates the largest fleet of ambulances in the country, providing free emergency medical services.
Orphanages and Homes: Edhi set up homes for orphans, street children, and destitute individuals, providing them with shelter, education, and care.
Burial Services: The foundation offers free burial services to unclaimed bodies and those without financial means for burial.
Personal Life of Abdul Sattar Edhi:
Simple Lifestyle: Despite the immense success of his foundation, Abdul Sattar Edhi lived a simple and humble life. He personally adhered to a modest lifestyle, owning only two pairs of clothes.
Religious Beliefs: Edhi was a devout Muslim, and his philanthropic work was deeply influenced by his religious beliefs and commitment to humanitarian values.
Recognition and Awards:
International Recognition: Edhi received recognition and awards from various international organizations for his humanitarian work, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1986.
Nomination for Nobel Peace Prize: He was nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Legacy of Abdul Sattar Edhi:
Death and Mourning: Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away on July 8, 2016, in Karachi. His death was mourned not only in Pakistan but also internationally.
Continuation of Work: The Edhi Foundation continues its work under the leadership of Edhi’s son, Faisal Edhi.
Quotes:
“People have become educated, but have yet to become human”.“No religion is higher than humanity”.
Abdul Sattar Edhi’s life and work epitomize the ideals of selflessness, compassion, and service to humanity. His legacy lives on through the ongoing efforts of the Edhi Foundation, which remains a symbol of humanitarianism and social welfare in Pakistan and beyond.