Whenever we’re about to lose faith in humanity (which is something that’s depressingly easy to accomplish - all you need to do is turn on the television), someone comes along to give us hope and prove that humans are indeed capable of greatness.
Whenever we’re about to lose faith in humanity (which is something that’s depressingly easy to accomplish - all you need to do is turn on the television), someone comes along to give us hope and prove that humans are indeed capable of greatness. From the man who spent decades struggling against apartheid and then forgave his persecutors, to the woman who dedicated her life to helping the destitute, there have been a handful of remarkable people who have strived to change the world we live in and made sure they left it a better place.
And we are blessed that one of these incredible figures was our very own champion of the poor, Abdul Sattar Edhi.
From his humble beginnings to his efforts in creating the country’s biggest welfare organization, the world’s greatest humanitarian defied the odds and spent decades helping reshape Pakistan. Even though he is no longer with us, his work will continue helping countless people for generations to come. And we must make sure that we continue to follow in his footsteps and fulfil the directive he left us in his last words: “meray mulk kae ghareeboun ka khayal rakhna”.
Edhi sahab’s kindness, compassion, and humbleness were all remarkable, and his love for everyone - irrespective of their status, cast, creed, or colour - was truly inspirational. He didn’t need an award to validate his accomplishments; his contributions to our society are emphatically visible and speak for themselves.
The most inspiring thing for me (as a friend of all the neighbourhood strays and a crazy cat lady in the making) was that the Edhi Foundation didn’t only undertake the monumental task of helping people - through services that include ambulances, shelters, orphanages, nursing homes and rehabilitation centres - but also provided sanctuary to animals and made sure that our distressed furry and feathered buddies had somewhere to go.
It is a universally acknowledged fact that Edhi sahab had a heart of gold, and no matter how much gratitude we show towards him isn’t enough. Few people have ever had the kind of impact on the world that Abdul Sattar Edhi did. There has never been - and probably will never be - anyone quite like him. And it is now our duty to follow his example and make sure both his name and work live forever.
- Sameen Amer
lt was year 2011. I remember standing at a spot, waiting for the public transportation to arrive so that I may reach my university. Nothing unusual; it was all routine. It was quite early in the morning; one can imagine less crowd and vehicles. I noticed this van approaching the place where I was standing. An elderly man was sitting in it, and his features were too familiar. I realized it was Edhi sahab. I remember being too excited. I met him, briefly, and then left. For the rest of the day at the university I regretted not meeting him properly, and having a photo taken with him. I hoped I would find him sitting at the spot again. And I saw him. He sat there under a tent, on a chair. He was collecting for the flood relief. In front of him were a lot of banknotes. I shook hands with him, exchanged a few words, and had a photo taken. I remember how overwhelmed I felt. He was humble, and didn’t speak much. I don’t think I had ever the honour of meeting such an individual, who had risen up to become a true ‘insaan’.
- Syed Zeeshan Ahmed
