TIA NEWS
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has expressed grief on the death of Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi. In a tweet, Mrs Swaraj said, Edhi was a noble soul who dedicated his life in service of mankind. Edhi passed away in Karachi last night at the age of 92 after a prolonged battle with different ailments.
Edhi who formed the famous Edhi village 25 years ago which was home to the homeless, destitute, street children, elderly,abandoned babies and addicts was Chairman of the Edhi foundation which was celebrated for its humanitarian work.
In October last year, Mrs Swaraj had coordinated with the Edhi foundation to bring back Geeta, a hearing and speech impaired girl who strayed across the border 15 years ago and was taken care of by the foundation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also announced a contribution of 1 crore rupees to the Edhi foundation last October but Abdul Sattar Edhi had denied to accept his charity.
Born in Gujarat to a family of memon traders who came to Karachi during partition, Edhi started his welfare mission in 1951 opening his first home for homeless and sick in the Kharadar area in Karachi.