Pakistan and Philanthropy
Pakistan can be called a “Generous State” when it comes to charity. More than 1 percent of total GDP, Pakistan contributes in Philanthropy. According to the studies which were conducted by Pakistan Center for Philanthropy, Pakistanis give more than 2 billion dollars annually in charity. The report shows that almost 98% of total population is giving in a way or another. They are giving Sadqa, Zakat, Fitrana, cash and involved in other voluntary works and consider it as their religious and social duty towards their society. There are numerous charity organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in Pakistan to serve the humanity. Top of the list are Edhi Foundation, Alkhidmat Foundation, Shokat Khanam Memorial Hospital and Research Center, Akhuwat Foundation, Chhipa Welfare Organization, Pakistan Center for Philanthropy, Aurat Foundation and many more. All of these Foundations working in Pakistan to provide food, shelter and support to those individuals and Families who cannot afford. They serve as an inspiration for youth to indulge into humanitarian work. Also the legacy of Philanthropists is Pride for our Nation.
Legacy of Abdul Sattar Edhi
Sir Abdul Sattar Edhi was the founder of one of the best and largest organized welfare system in Third world. He established Edhi foundation in 1974 for selfless service of humanity and in order to promote peace. The Edhi Center modified the saying “Live and let Live” to “Live and Help Live”. This shows the legacy of Edhi that if you are in a state to help other than extend your possible help to someone and help them to live. Despite all the wealth which came into his hands, he lived a simple life and left this legacy behind him. He was Abdul Sattar Edhi, a Father and Grandfather for the children living in Edhi center. People also know him as an angel of mercy who was sent by God on Earth.
Global Recognition and National Pride
There are numerous awards won by Edhi Foundation which provide Global Recognition and proved to be Proud for Pakistanis as a Nation. In 1986 Edhi was awarded with “Raman Magsaysay Award” for promoting Public Service. In 1993 he was awarded by “Rotary International” for promoting cause of Social Welfare Service. In 1998 he get “Peace Prize Award” by USSR. Edhi Ambulance service was began in 1948, which made World Record of having “Largest Volunteer Ambulance Organization” in Guinness World Records in 2000. There are 1800 vehicles all over the country to provide Ambulance Service. There is Air Ambulance and Marine Ambulance service of Edhi as well.
In the same year 2000, got Hamdan Award in Dubai and International Blazon Award at Rome, Italy. In 2001 at Delhi, Edhi was awarded with “Peace and Harmony Award” and later in year 2004 and 2005 again awarded with “Peace Awards”, and in 2007 awarded with “Gandhi Peace Award.” UNESCO in 2007 awarded with Madanjeet Singh Prize. Seoul Peace Award was given for “Promoting Peace” in 2009. In 2011 he was awarded with “London Peace Award”. For promoting Peace and Social Welfare, Edhi got National recognition and Awards as well including Nishan e Imtiaz, Human Rights Award and Khidmat award. He was awarded with Honorary Degree of Doctor of Social Sciences by Hamdard Foundation in 2014.
Continuing the Legacy
In the year 2016 after suffering with prolonged illness Sir Abdul Sattar Edhi passed away. But he left the legacy of humanitarian work, help and simplicity behind. His Wife Mrs. Bilquis Edhi who passed away in 2022 and son Faisal Edhi followed his footsteps. During pandemic Faisal Edhi while carrying on his Father’s legacy provide with every possible humanitarian assistance to Pakistanis from treatment to burying them in case of death. He contributed 10 Million Rupees to PM Conora Relief fund in 2020. In 2021, he wrote to Prime Minister of India PM Modi and offered to send 50 ambulances to India due to COVID 19. Though it was difficult for Edhi’s family to continue humanitarian work as it was during his life, but they followed his footsteps and continue the Legacy of the Angel of Mercy.
Conclusion:
The life of the Richest Poor Man and Angel of Mercy, Sir Abdul Sattar Edhi is a beacon of life for all those who have urge to serve the humanity. He lived a life of selflessness and simplicity and left his legacy behind. It is a footstep for us to follow as whole Pakistani Nation feels Proud of their Real Hero. He presented a model to prove that one individual can laid the foundation of serving humanity if he is dedicated and passionate to live and help live. His predecessors followed his footsteps and are continuing his legacy. Pakistan takes immense pride in Edhi’s Legacy and view him as a National Hero.
The Author, Alisha Shamas is a Political science graduate, from Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) and Student of M.Phil. International Relations at Kinnaird College for Women University.
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