Zardari describes him as not only a monumental humanitarian but also an enduring symbol of national pride
A file photo of late Abdul Sattar Edhi. PHOTO: PUBLIC/FILE
The 10th anniversary of the death of renowned humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi was marked on Wednesday, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paying tribute to his enduring legacy of public service and humanitarian work.
Born on 28 February 1928 in Gujarat, British India, Edhi began his welfare work in 1951 and went on to establish one of Pakistan’s largest charities.
He founded what became the world’s largest volunteer ambulance network, along with homeless and animal shelters, orphanages and welfare centers serving poor families, women, children and people with disabilities across the country.
In recognition of his services to humanity, Edhi received several national and international awards including the Asian Nobel Prize, Lenin Peace Prize and Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Edhi died in Karachi on 8 July 2016 at the age of 88.
In a message issued to mark the occasion, President Zardari described Edhi as “not only a monumental humanitarian but also an enduring symbol of national pride”.
“Abdul Sattar Edhi was not only a monumental humanitarian but also an enduring symbol of national pride. His tireless work built institutions that continue to serve millions that stand as living testimony to his profound vision. His legacy remains a beacon to uphold the values… pic.twitter.com/6M70VAPCxX
— President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 8, 2026
“His tireless work built institutions that continue to serve millions that stand as living testimony to his profound vision. His legacy remains a beacon to uphold the values of empathy, charity and dignity for all,” the president said.
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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Edhi’s lifelong commitment to serving humanity made him “a source of pride for the nation and a national asset”.
Paying tribute to his welfare services, the Prime Minister said that Edhi highlighted the social dimensions of solving public problems through his sincere dedication to the welfare of others, adding that his contribution constituted an extraordinary chapter in Pakistan’s social history.
He said personalities like Edhi were role models for the younger generation, proving that every individual could play a constructive role in bringing about positive social change.
Adding that Edhi’s public service promoted values of compassion, tolerance and social harmony, the Prime Minister prayed for his high ranks and said his contribution to the society would always be remembered.
