Daily Times

KARACHI: The members of civil society and business community have expressed deep grief over the demise of the renowned social worker, Abdul Sattar Edhi, on Saturday.

While talking to Daily Times, Agha Saiddain of Pakistan Tanners Association, Jawed Bilawani of Pakistan Apparel Forum, Sanaullah Khan of All Pakistan Marble Mining, Manufacturing and Exporters Association, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Rauf Alam, and the office bearers of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) have expressed their deep sorrow over the demise of legend Abdul Sattar Edhi.

They declared it a national loss and said that Abdul Sattar Edhi served his entire life for the shelterless, orphans and the needy people of Pakistan without any discrimination. They said his services would always be remembered which made Pakistan prominent in the entire world adding that the gap after his death cannot be filled or replaced, they added.

They prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and for the strength to the grieved family to bear this irreparable loss.

The members of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association also expressed their deep sorrow over the demise of great social figure of the country. They said that his services would be remembered forever and would enlighten the social workers’ work in time to come.

Society for Global Moderation Chairman Jawaid Iqbal expressed his profound grief on the death of Abdul Sattar Edhi. He said Edhi’s endeavours were a true reflection of making Pakistan a welfare state in line with the vision of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He said his services to the country and its people would never be forgotten.

It was in recognition of his deep sacrifices and selfless service to humanity that he was given so many national and international awards. Edhi was a symbol of Pakistan’s national unity. Former president, General (r) Pervez Musharraf has said that he believes late Edhi deserved to be given ‘Nobel Prize’. He said he felt that even more than Mother Teresa, it was Edhi, a man who worked so relentlessly in providing relief to suffering humanity, should have received the ‘Nobel Prize’ in his lifetime. He hoped and prayed that social worker will be awarded the Nobel Prize.

Musharraf prayed that may Almighty Allah grant peace to the departed soul of Edhi. He said that there is no doubt that he was a great man. He said it was not possible that another Abdus Sattar Edhi would ever be born in Pakistan or in the world and that the country would have to sustain this great loss, especially the poor people of Pakistan, the poor women and the poor children.

Meanwhile, the Adviser to Chief Minister for Information and Archives, Maula Bux Chandio on Saturday paid glowing tribute to late Abdul Sattar Edhi for his noble services to humanity and termed his death a national tragedy.

According to a statement issued, he expressed deep grief over the demise of Edhi and termed it a great loss to people of Pakistan. He also extended sympathy to the bereaved family. Chandio said that men like Abdul Sattar Edhi born in centuries. “Edhi was a beacon of light for Pakistani nation. He was a prominent Pakistani philanthropist, social activist, and humanitarian who will be remembered forever for his noble services. Edhi had dedicated his life to serving humanity, particularly poor. His organisation saved lives of many people.”

The adviser eulogised services of Edhi and hailed his recognition as said, “Together with his wife, Bilquis Edhi, he received the 1986 Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service. He was also the recipient of the Lenin Peace Prize and the Balzan Prize. In 2006, Institute of Business Administration Pakistan conferred a honoris causa degree of Doctor of Social Service Management for his services.”

Chandio further said, “In September 2010, Edhi was also awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Bedfordshire. In 1989, Edhi received the Nishan-e-Imtiaz from the government of Pakistan. On January 1st 2014, Edhi was voted the 2013 ‘Person of the Year’ by the readers of a local newspaper. He was also recommended for a Nobel Peace prize with more than 30,000 signing a petition.

He said that Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) always encouraged Edhi to work for the cause of the humanity. The adviser asked people to follow the footprints of Edhi and serve humanity like him. He said the people of Pakistan will remember Edhi forever as he was an asset for Pakistan. He said, “We have lost a great hero. His death is national tragedy.”

Chandio hoped that Abdul Sattar Edhi’s foundation will continue to serve humanity and PPP along with people of Pakistan will support it for helping humanity. He said everyone should learn from Edhi’s volunteer services adding that though Edhi is no more with us but his legacy will live and serve humanity.

Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Sindh on Saturday has expressed his sorrow over the sad demise the demise of world’s great philanthropist and social leader, Abdul Sattar Edhi, urging that his mission of serving the humanity be carry on.

JI’s Sindh Ameer Dr Mairajul Huda in a statement issued expressed sorrow and grief over Edhi’s death and said that he was Pakistan’s identity. “Abdul Sattar Edhi had possessed the sprit for serving the humanity. He served the people not only in Pakistan but also in the whole world and brightened Pakistan’s name,” Mairajul Huda added.

He stated that Edhi kept helping the poor and needy persons throughout his life and even in Karachi’s spoil condition adding that his services for humanity will be remained forever.

Huda said that Edhi remained uncontroversial throughout his career, his love demands us that mission of serving the humanity should not be stopped. On a similar note, Sindh Ombudsman Asad Ashraf Malik has expressed his deep sense of grief over the sad demise of renowned social worker, humanitarian and exemplary human being Abdul Sattar Edhi who died yesterday.

The provincial ombudsman, in his condolence message, prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.

The Sindh ombudsman lauded the services of Late Abdul Sattar Edhi in the field of charity, welfare and wellbeing of common men by his medical services without any cost, creed, religion and sect. He said that nation has lost a great human being and person who rendered his life towards the cause of humanity in difficult time of need at grass root level. The provincial ombudsman said that his death created a vacuum and he would be remembered in the hearts of people.