Remembering Abdul Sattar Edhi: A Life of Compassion, Humility, and Service
There are tributes we expect to write one day — with reverence, and a heavy heart. Abdul Sattar Edhi, Pakistan’s most beloved humanitarian, was always one such figure. Though his passing was inevitable, the loss feels no less profound.
It’s difficult to capture the true greatness of a man whose selfless service touched millions of lives. Across class, ethnic, and religious divides, Edhi Sahib became a symbol of hope and compassion in Pakistan — especially in Karachi, the city he served relentlessly.
A Legacy That Touched Every Life
For many, personal memories of Edhi are the only way to make sense of his extraordinary life. I first heard of him in the early 1980s, when my mother interviewed him and Bilquis Edhi — his equally devoted wife and partner in service.
She still recalls how excited he was when he learned of her interest in palmistry. He even gave her inked handprints for her magazine article — a deeply human gesture from a man who had already become larger than life.
A Man of Principles, Even in the Smallest Acts
One story she shared stuck with me forever. During an adoption facilitation visit, she witnessed Edhi sahib dismiss two drivers who had eaten food meant for the underprivileged.
“You are paid a salary,” he had calmly said. “You should eat from that money. This food is not for you.”
It was a small moment that revealed his deeply rooted sense of ethics. He held himself and his team to the highest standards — not out of pride, but principle.
Edhi: A Trusted Source in Times of Crisis
When I entered journalism in the 1990s, the Edhi Foundation became an essential resource. Whether it was a building collapse, a fire, or an accident, Edhi ambulances were always the first on the scene.
In an era of uncertainty, journalists relied more on Edhi’s figures than official reports. His teams didn’t just transport the injured — they retrieved the deceased, arranged burials, and comforted grieving families.
A Reluctant Hero, Uninterested in Fame
In 1997, I had the rare opportunity to film him over three days. He was hesitant at first. “Film the workers,” he insisted. “They do the real work.”
Eventually, we compromised — I filmed both. Edhi sahib had no interest in curated interviews or media schedules. He followed his routine and allowed us to tag along, but he was always on the move, always working.
Grounded, Practical, and Deeply Human
During breaks, we would chat — and I found him refreshingly candid. He had no patience for romanticized poverty or ritualized religiosity. Instead, he had practical, thoughtful views shaped by a lifetime of direct service.
At times, he questioned religious dogma, openly critiquing clergy who, in his view, failed to help those in need. Yet he never rejected the moral core of faith — in fact, he embodied it.
The Private Side: Bilquis Edhi’s Devotion
Through Bilquis Edhi, I came to understand the man behind the public figure. For her, he was the husband who would skip a family event to attend to a tragedy.
She once recalled how, even when their grandson died in a fire, Edhi sahib left to collect bodies elsewhere. And yet, she remained by his side — loyal and unwavering in their shared mission.
A Memory That Says It All
My brother, a journalist, once gave Edhi sahib Rs. 2,000 during earthquake coverage in Balochistan, suggesting he use it to buy footballs for children in relief camps.
Weeks later, at a conference in Islamabad, Edhi called out to him by name. “Oye Ali, idhar aao!”
He remembered the donation, explaining that Bilquis had found the items cheaper in Karachi and had them sent back to the camps.
This level of honesty and care — even for the smallest of contributions — defined him.
A Lasting Impact
Abdul Sattar Edhi handled millions in donations, built an unparalleled humanitarian network, and served without seeking recognition. Yet, it is these small, personal moments that truly reflect why people trusted and loved him.
Final Words
May he rest in eternal peace. May his institutions thrive in his absence. And may Pakistan one day become a country that no longer needs more Edhis to do the work the state should do.
Edhi sahib gave us a blueprint for humanity. It’s up to us to carry it forward.
