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Edhi seeks donations from Pakistani expats

DUBAI — Abdul Sattar Edhi, the founder of Pakistan’s most trusted charity and world renowned relief organisation, the Edhi Foundation, has appealed to Pakistani expatriates in the UAE to donate wholeheartedly this Ramadan for the spirit of humanity and mankind.

Speaking to Khaleej Times from his hometown Karachi in Pakistan yesterday, Edhi said that any donations coming from Pakistanis from the world over were welcome. “To look after thousands of destitute youngsters, mentally retarded people, orphans and all other needy people based in Edhi’s shelter homes, we do require lots of funds,” he said.

He, however, did not disclose the kind of money he was looking for, or how much he had already received as donations. “The funds are managed by another team. Besides, I think that even a small amount donated can help in a big way,” he added.

A media-shy person, Edhi is world renowned for his humanitarian efforts. In the year 2000, he was conferred the Hamdan Award for Volunteers in Humanitarian Medical Services by the Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Award for Medical Sciences.

During his last visit to the UAE in early 2006, Edhi said he planned to open a shelter home in the country. “We have the space, but the plan is yet to take off,” he said. “Dubai is fast becoming an international centre, and if we set up our facility here, we might receive enough donations,” he said. “I take monetary help only from the people of my nation. This is a rule that I have set up for myself, and Alhamdolillah (by the grace of God), I have received billions of rupees as aid from my countrymen. But if someone is willing to offer help voluntarily, then I am ready to accept,” he said, hinting at a steely resolve that his wife Bilquis Edhi says has kept him going till today. “I am not looking for appreciation or recognition because humanity is beyond such trivial matters,” he stressed.

In an earlier interview with Khaleej Times, he had said, “Welfare work has become a money-making industry. However, though I am not much aware of this country, I hope that the UAE government will provide me support and accept my offer to help the people residing in the UAE.”

Talking about the planned facility in Ajman which he plans to hand over to his daughter, Edhi said, “Women can better understand other women’s problems. Therefore, I think my daughter is most capable of handling this office.”

Edhi often surprises people with words of wisdom, unexpected from a man who has had very little formal education.

He said, “Any one who wishes to contribute zakat or sadqat during the Holy month of Ramadan can do so on account number 010-4860-3, United Bank Limited, Deira. Please help generously to serve the ailing humanity worldwide.”