Daily Times

KARACHI: Philanthropist and Edhi Foundation Chairman Abdul Sattar Edhi has declined an offer by former president Asif Ali Zardari for treatment abroad.

Pakistan Peoples’ Party (PPP) Senator Rehman Malik visited Edhi in hospital on Thursday and told him about Zardari’s proposal for having his treatment abroad.

When Rehman asked, “Should I take you with me to London or Dubai?” Edhi declined the offer saying that he would prefer receiving treatment in Pakistan. Rehman added that if Edhi’s condition did not improve, he would visit again and take him abroad for treatment. Faisal Edhi spoke for his father and said, “He insists on treatment in Pakistan, particularly in a government hospital.”

Rehman said “I have told him, if he gives the word, I will take him to any hospital in the world by air ambulance”. Edhi was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013 but has been unable to get a transplant due to frail health. Tehmina Durrani, who is collaborating with the Edhi Foundation on food and heat stroke relief centres in Ramazan, proudly tweeted Edhi’s reaction to the offer for treatment abroad.

The eminent humanitarian Edhi had declined many offers over many years. Once, he had also refused an offer by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s to donate 10 million Indian rupees to his charity after the safe return to India of hearing and speech impaired girl Geeta stranded in Pakistan. Geeta had been under the Edhi Foundation’s care during her time in Pakistan.