Zardari describes him not only as a monumental humanitarian but also as an enduring symbol of national pride.
An archive photograph of late Abdul Sattar Edhi. PHOTO: ADVERTISING/ARCHIVE
Wednesday marked the 10th death anniversary of renowned humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paying tribute to his lasting legacy of public service and humanitarian work.
Born on February 28, 1928 in Gujarat, British India, Edhi began his social work in 1951 and went on to establish one of the largest charities in Pakistan.
She founded what became the world’s largest volunteer ambulance network, along with homeless people 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 numerous national and international honours, including the Asian Nobel Prize, the Lenin Peace Prize and the Nishan-e-Imtiaz.
Edhi died in Karachi on July 8, 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 of people, a living testimony to his profound vision. His legacy remains a beacon for upholding values… pic.twitter.com/6M70VAPCxX
– The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) July 8, 2026
“His tireless work built institutions that continue to serve millions and are a living testament to his profound vision. His legacy remains a beacon for upholding 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 social welfare services, the Prime Minister said Edhi highlighted the social dimensions of addressing public problems through his sincere dedication to the welfare of others, adding that his contributions formed an extraordinary chapter in the social history of Pakistan.
He said personalities like Edhi were role models for the younger generation, proving that every individual can play a constructive role in bringing about positive social change.
The prime minister added that Edhi’s public service promoted values of compassion, tolerance and social harmony, and prayed for his high ranks, saying that his contributions to society would always be remembered.
