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| Image Credit: Hussain, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons |
Introduction
Abdul Sattar Edhi founded the Edhi Foundation, which runs the world's largest ambulance network, along with homeless shelters, animal shelters, rehabilitation centers, and orphanages across Pakistan. He is known amongst Pakistanis as the "Angel of Mercy" and is considered to be Pakistan's most respected and legendary figure.
Edhi maintained a hands-off management style and was critical of corruption within religious organizations, clergy, and politicians. He was nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Early life
Edhi was a Gujarati Muhajir who publicly expressed that he was not a "very religious person". He told others to "show Him your faith through action".
The Edhi Foundation and Bilquis Edhi Trust
Edhi dedicated his life to aiding the poor and founded the Edhi Foundation. The Foundation has since grown to include 330 welfare centers that provide food kitchens, rehabilitation homes, shelters for abandoned women and children, and clinics for the mentally and physically challenged.
The Edhi Foundation is funded entirely by private donations and offers full services to people irrespective of ethnicity, religion, or status. It operates the world's largest volunteer ambulance service and has run relief operations in South Asia, the Middle East, Africa, the Caucasus region, Eastern Europe, and the United States.
Travel issues
Edhi was arrested by Israeli troops, detained by Canadian authorities, and investigated by U.S. immigration officials after his appearance in traditional Pakistani clothing and a long beard made him appear visibly Muslim.
Life in Karachi
Edhi married Bilquis, a nurse who worked at an Edhi Trust dispensary, and they had four children. Bilquis ran the free maternity home at the foundation's headquarters in Mithandar, Karachi, and organized the adoption of abandoned babies.
Edhi was hospitalized at SIUT due to failing kidneys, and his son Faisal Edhi, wife Bilquis Edhi, and daughter Kubra managed the organization during his ill health and after his passing.
Organ Donation
Edhi died on 8 July 2016 at the age of 88 due to kidney failure and his corneas were donated to two blind people.
State funeral
Prime Minister Sharif declared national mourning for Edhi on the day following his death and announced a state funeral for him. Edhi was laid to rest at Edhi Village.
Condolences
Reactions to his death came from several high-ranking Pakistani officials, including Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Raheel Sharif. He was considered Pakistan's equivalent of Mother Teresa.
International awards
Ramon Magsaysay Award, Lenin Peace Prize, Paul Harris Fellow from Rotary International, Hamdan Award for volunteers in Humanitarian Medical Services, International Balzan Prize, Seoul Peace Prize, UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize, POSCO TJ Park Prize, London Peace Award.
National awards
The Pakistan Army awarded Moiz ur Rehman the Silver Jubilee Shield, Nishan-e-Imtiaz, the Social Worker of Sub-Continent, the Pakistan Civic Award, the Jinnah Award for Outstanding Services to Pakistan, and the Bacha Khan Aman (Peace) Award.
Honors
On 31 March 2017, a cupronickel commemorative coin was issued to commemorate Edhi's services on the national level.
Nobel Peace Prize petitions
Malala Yousafzai nominated Abdul Sattar Edhi for the Nobel Peace Prize after her father moved a petition signed by 30,000 people.