Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: People from all walks of life on Saturday paid rich tributes to the messiah of the nation Abdul Sattar Edhi who breathed his last in Karachi late on Friday night.

Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai paid homage to Edhi for his unforgettable services to humanity, saying no award could match the grand stature of the great man.

Talking to a private news channel, Malala said, “He was not only loved in Pakistan but across the world. Although I had recommended him for Nobel Peace Prize, but when we see his services, no award matches his stature.”

“Edhi was kind, he was noble and he was courageous. His unflinching determination could not be defeated and this he manifested through accomplishment of his mission,” she added. “He dared all odds and continued his mission and his funeral was a glaring example of love, he had for the mankind and mankind had for him.”

She said the spirit and commitment of Edhi was a message for the nation as to how a single person could install a countrywide network when he bore the burden of a mission to serve the humanity.

“He has taught us brotherhood, tolerance, piety, honesty and above all serving the humanity regardless of religion, caste and creed,” Malala said. “His mission also carries a message for Pakistani people as if they stand united to serve their needy fellows, they will emerge as an invincible nation.”

She said simply if Pakistani people follow his teachings and spirit, no power in the world can stop it from becoming a welfare state. “He is also a beacon of light for our youth and treading on his footsteps can make them an asset for the country.”

Malala also mentioned a telephonic conversation with Edhi and termed it an honour for her. “Even today his voice resounds in my ears and I cannot forget it whole of my remaining life. He was a great person and would be remembered for ages.”

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Pakistan has lost its greatest icon of humanity. In a statement issued here, he paid glowing tribute to Edhi for his services for the cause of humanity. Former president Asif Ali Zardari expressed his profound grief and sorrow over the passing away of Edhi, “a saint, a giver and an awe inspiring social worker who commanded incomparable respect within the country and profound admiration abroad”.

“Pakistan today is poorer with the passing away of an icon who extricated millions of poor from distress transcending above considerations of religion, ethnicity and faith,” said Zardari in a condolence message.

Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani expressed his deep sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise of the renowned social worker and legendary humanitarian and termed it a great loss. In his condolence message, he said that services of Edhi would be remembered for long. He was a beacon of hope for the poor and destitute of the society and earned worldwide recognition for his humanitarian work. He offered his sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and lauded the contribution made by Edhi to the service of the humanity.

Senate Deputy Chairman Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri, Leader of the House in the Senate Raja Zafar-ul-Haq and Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Chaudhry Aitzaz Ahsan also offered their condolences and eulogised Edhi’s services for humanity.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said he was deeply grieved over the death of Edhi. He said Edhi’s contribution to social work was unmatched and would be remembered for a long time. The minister prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in the Heaven and grant patience to the bereaved family to bear this loss with fortitude.

National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed his deep grief and sorrow over the sad demise of legendary social worker and said, “We have lost a prodigious human being, but his legacy will never end. His contribution to social welfare is unmatched. His efforts will always be remembered.”

Sindh Governor Dr Ishratul Ebad Khan, in a condolence message to Edhi’s son Faisal Edhi, recounted the services Edhi rendered for the cause of humanity.

Balochistan Home Minister Sarfaraz Bughti termed Edhi’s death a great loss for the nation. Talking to PTV, he said he was short of words to express his sentiments on departure of a kind hearted and sympathetic personality like Edhi.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, chief of the air staff of the Pakistan Air Force, expressed his heartfelt grief on the sad demise of the iconic social worker. He paid rich tributes to the world acclaimed humanitarian and said that any chronicles on social work would remain incomplete without mention of this legendary hero. Remembering his services for the underprivileged, the air chief said that Edhi was the pride of humanity and his contribution and influence transcended borders and nationalities. He said, “Mr Edhi was indeed a pioneer in the field of social service and the models of excellence set by him were replicated world over. While heading one of the largest private social service in the world, Mr Edhi lived a very humble life with negligible possession and wore his greatness lightly.”