Abdul Sattar Edhi was a legendary Pakistani philanthropist and humanitarian, founder of the Edhi Foundation, the country’s largest welfare organization. Known for selfless service, social activism, and charitable work, he provided healthcare, orphanages, and emergency aid, earning national and international recognition as a symbol of compassion and humanitarian excellence.
Tributes and memorial events across Pakistan reaffirm Edhi’s role as a symbol of mercy and service, with public figures and welfare groups remembering how his ambulance fleets, orphanages, clinics, and shelters transformed lives across socio-economic divides.
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Pride of Performance (Government of Pakistan) – 2010
Winner
Recognition: Outstanding service and humanitarian work for acid/burn survivors
Role: CEO & Founder, Depilex Smileagain Foundation
Sitara-e-Imtiaz (Government of Pakistan) – 1986
Winner
Recognition: Exceptional humanitarian work and social services
Role: Founder, Edhi Foundation
Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Government of Pakistan) – 1985
Winner
Recognition: Outstanding services for humanity
and charity
Role: Philanthropist & Social Worker
UNESCO Peace Prize – 1986
Winner
Recognition: Dedication to promoting peace,
welfare, and humanitarian aid
Role: Humanitarian & Founder, Edhi Foundation
Mother Teresa Memorial International Award – 2003
Winner
Recognition: Contribution to humanity,
orphan care, and emergency services
Role: Philanthropist & Social Worker
Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize – 1986
Winner
Recognition: Social welfare and humanitarian
services to the poor and needy
Role: Humanitarian & Philanthropist
Asian Hero Award – 2000
Winner
Recognition: Extraordinary commitment to social welfare and charity in South Asia
Role: Founder, Edhi Foundation
Full Name: Abdul Sattar Edhi
Birthdate: 1 January 1928
Birthplace / Hometown: Bantva, Gujarat, British India (migrated to Karachi, Pakistan, after Partition in 1947)
Background: Born into a modest family, Abdul Sattar Edhi developed compassion and social awareness from an early age, caring for the sick and needy in his community.
Early Education: Completed primary schooling in Gujarat, India.
Informal Training: Did not pursue formal higher education but learned nursing and social work skills while volunteering in hospitals and orphanages in Karachi.
Lifelong Learning: Developed expertise in humanitarian work, healthcare, and philanthropy through hands-on experience.
Marital Status: Married to Bilquis Edhi, who played a key role in the Edhi Foundation.
Children: They had four children; their eldest son Faisal Edhi now serves as CEO of the Edhi Foundation.
Family Contribution: Bilquis Edhi worked alongside Abdul Sattar Edhi in managing orphanages, shelters, and healthcare programs
Death Date: 8 July 2016
Place of Death: Karachi, Pakistan
Cause of Death: Natural causes
Burial: Laid to rest at Edhi Village, Karachi, with thousands of mourners attending, reflecting the immense impact he had on Pakistani society and globally.
Abdul Sattar Edhi is remembered for his unwavering commitment to humanity, serving millions of people regardless of religion, caste, or creed.
His principles of simplicity, honesty, and service have made him a global icon in philanthropy and social welfare.
Abdul Sattar Edhi widely regarded as Pakistan’s most revered philanthropist, his work continues to inspire humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Abdul Sattar Edhi (1928–2016) was a Pakistani philanthropist, social activist, and humanitarian, best known for founding the Edhi Foundation, the largest and most trusted charitable organization in Pakistan.
He was born on February 1, 1928, in Bantva, British India (now in Gujarat, India).
The Edhi Foundation provides emergency assistance, healthcare, orphanages, shelters for the homeless, and support for the needy across Pakistan.
He began with a small dispensary in Karachi in 1951, eventually expanding into a nationwide network of hospitals, ambulances, and shelters.
Yes — he received numerous awards including the Lenin Peace Prize, Ramon Magsaysay Award, and recognition from the United Nations for his humanitarian work.
Edhi is most famous for creating Pakistan’s largest volunteer ambulance network and providing services to the homeless, abandoned children, and the elderly.
No — he dedicated his entire life to humanitarian work, staying apolitical and independent.
Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away on July 8, 2016, in Karachi, Pakistan, at the age of 88.
He lived a simple, austere life, personally supervising charitable operations and relying entirely on donations and volunteer work.
He is regarded as Pakistan’s “Angel of Mercy” for his lifelong dedication to helping the poor, sick, and abandoned, inspiring millions worldwide.
“I have always believed that serving humanity is the highest duty. My life’s work has been to help those in need, without distinction, and to show that compassion is stronger than any barrier.”
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