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Edhi Foundation
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The Edhi Foundation (Urdu: ایدھی فاؤنڈیشن) is a non-profit social welfare organization based in Pakistan.

Key Information

It was founded by Abdul Sattar Edhi[1][2] in 1951, who served as the head of the organization until his death on 8 July 2016. Bilquis Edhi, a nurse by profession, used to oversee the maternity and adoption services of the foundation. The Edhi Foundation is headquartered in the city of Karachi.

The Edhi Foundation provides 24-hour emergency assistance across the entirety of Pakistan and internationally. The foundation provides, among many other services, shelter for the destitute, hospitals and medical care, drug rehabilitation services, and national and international relief efforts. The organization's main focuses are emergency services, orphans, handicapped persons, women's shelters, education, healthcare, international community centres, refugees, missing persons, blood donation & drug rehabilitation banks, air ambulance services and marine and coastal services. The organization is known to serve those in need regardless of race, religious affiliation, and social status, and runs entirely on donations and volunteer efforts. While the Edhi Foundation's primary focus is in Pakistan as well as the rest of South Asia, it has an extensive presence throughout the Middle East and Africa. However, it has also provided financial and supplementary aid to countries in Europe and the Americas in the event of natural disasters (such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005) or other issues. As of 2020, the Edhi Foundation has international head offices present in the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Australia, Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Japan.[3]

History

[edit]

In 1928, Abdul Sattar Edhi was born in Bantva, a town in the princely state of Bantva Manavadar in British India. In 1939, when he was 11 years old, Edhi's mother suffered a major stroke and became physically and mentally disabled. Shortly after this, Edhi dropped out of school to provide full-time care to his mother. At home, he would cater to her needs by bathing her, taking her to the bathroom, feeding her, and much more. He dedicated the following years of his life caring for her until she died in early 1947. Later that year, during the Partition of India, Edhi and his family fled to the newly established Dominion of Pakistan and settled down in Karachi. The combined experiences of caring for his mother as well as seeing the death and destruction due to the partition motivated Edhi to pursue the establishment of a major humanitarian organization in Pakistan. By 1951, he had bought a small shop in Karachi and opened a free dispensary to aid those in need of humanitarian services. Since then, he began to build up what would eventually become the Edhi Foundation. He established his first welfare centre in 1957 and then the Edhi Trust.[4] Eventually, the Edhi Trust, which functioned on the efforts of a single person and one room became a large nationwide network run on volunteer efforts and donations. The organization has over 300 centres across the country, being present anywhere from big cities to small towns and remote rural areas, primarily focused on providing medical aid, family planning and emergency assistance. Air ambulances allow the network to operate in and access remote areas.

In Karachi alone, the Edhi Foundation runs eight major hospitals providing free medical care to all, alongside other services and establishments such as eye clinics, diabetic centres, surgical units, a four-bed cancer-focused hospital and mobile aid and relief dispensaries. In addition to these services, the organization also manages two blood banks. As with other Edhi services, these are run by employed professionals and volunteers. The foundation has a legal aid department, which also provides free services and has secured the release of countless innocent prisoners. Commissioned doctors visit jails on a regular basis and also supply food and other essentials to the inmates. There are 15 operational shelter homes for destitute children, runaways, and psychotics.

On 25 June 2013, Edhi's kidneys failed, with doctors announcing that he would be on dialysis for the rest of his life unless he found an appropriate kidney donor. Three years later, on 8 July 2016, Edhi died at the age of 88 due to kidney failure after having been placed on a ventilator. His last wishes included a request that his organs be donated to those in need but due to his poor health and failing organs, only his corneas were suitable for donation. Edhi was given a state funeral and thousands gathered to mourn his death as he was laid to rest in Edhi Village, Karachi.

The Edhi Foundation also has an extensive education program, which not only provides services related to standard education but also in vocational activities such as driving, pharmacy and para-medical training. The emphasis and goal of this program is to propel those who are suffering from a nearly unbreakable cycle of poverty into a life of self-sufficiency. The foundation has branches in several countries where they provide relief to refugees and citizens in need in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and Bangladesh. Following the end of the Gulf War in 1991, the foundation provided aid and rehabilitation to the citizens of Kuwait and Iraq. It has also run major relief operations for earthquake victims in Iran and Egypt. The organization has held the Guinness World Record for being the "world's largest volunteer ambulance organization" since 1997.[5] In 2016, after the death of Abdul Sattar Edhi, the State Bank of Pakistan urged all banks around the country to donate to the Edhi Foundation.[6]

Services

[edit]

The Edhi Foundation provides a number of services, emergency and non-emergency, to the general public. In addition to emergency medical services and private ambulance services, the organization also renders aid to women and children in need, assists with missing persons cases, and helps in covering burial and graveyard costs of unclaimed and unidentified bodies during times of disaster and tragedy.[7]

Ambulance services

[edit]
Ambulance of the foundation.

As of March 2021, the Edhi Foundation owns over 5,000 private ambulance vans stationed in areas across Pakistan.[7] The ambulance dispatchers in Karachi, one of the busiest cities in Pakistan, have reported up to 6,000 calls a day, with the average response time for each incident falling within 10 minutes.[8] It was also an Edhi ambulance which responded to and picked up the body of the American journalist, Daniel Pearl, when he was killed in 2002.[8]

The organization also owns two private jets and one helicopter to assist in moving victims from hard-to-reach locations, especially during the event of a natural disaster.[9] In addition to land and air assistance, Edhi Foundation also hosts 28 rescue boats to aid during floods and in cases of shipwrecks and disaster along the Arabian Ocean coast.[10]

Hospital services

[edit]

The organization runs several private outpatient hospitals located in Pakistan. Additional medical facilities include a diabetic center, a nurse training center, immunization centers, and blood banks, including emergency banks during times of natural disasters or tragedies.[6]

Childcare services

[edit]

Bilquis Edhi, co-head of the Edhi Foundation, is responsible for overseeing children's and women's services within the organization. Services he heads currently for children include the jhoola project, a child adoption center, and an abandoned children's welfare center. Bachhay Ka Jhoola is the Urdu word for "cradle for child",[11] and refers to a baby hatch for abandoned children. Most of the Edhi emergency centers have a jhoola located outside the venue for mothers to leave their infants, regardless of the current situation they may be in.[12] These children are taken into custody and are taken care of, often being adopted by pre-screened families.

International services

[edit]

The Edhi Foundation has reached out to international communities and assisted with the setup of several offices overseas which assist with donations, fundraising, and especially financially aiding Pakistanis who have to be flown overseas for urgent medical attention.[1] In addition to providing their regular services, the overseas foundation offices often help with community needs as necessary. In 2005, the Edhi Foundation provided $100,000 in aid to relief efforts following Hurricane Katrina.[8]

In March 2020, the organization donated US$200,000 to the Iranian government to help it combat the Coronavirus epidemic plaguing the country.[13]

On April 23, 2021, Faisal Edhi, the head of the organization has offered to help India fight the Covid-19 pandemic by writing a letter to Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. He requested for permission to enter India with a team of volunteers and 50 ambulances to help assist India in the pandemic as the country is facing nationwide oxygen shortage.[14]

Popularity in media and memorial

[edit]

On 28 February 2017, Google celebrated Edhi with a Google Doodle hailing his "super-efficient" ambulance service.[15]

On 1 April 2017, State Bank of Pakistan unveils Rs50 coin in honour of the late humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi, founder of Edhi Foundation.[16]

Karachi's Beach Avenue on DHA phase VII has been renamed as "Abdus Sattar Edhi Avenue".

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Edhi Foundation

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Edhi Foundation is a non-profit social welfare organization founded in 1951 by Pakistani humanitarian and his wife, , in , , dedicated to providing emergency and welfare services to the underserved without discrimination based on religion, caste, or creed. It operates the world's largest volunteer organization, recognized by the , with over 1,800 land ambulances (as of 2024), air and marine rescue units—including a new air added in 2025—and 24/7 emergency response capabilities across and internationally. Established initially as a small by , who had no formal education but drew from his early life experiences of poverty and migration during the 1947 , the foundation grew into a nationwide network over more than seven decades, relying solely on public donations and operating with principles of austerity, self-help, and non-sectarian service. Edhi, often called the "Angel of Mercy," personally led the organization until his death in 2016, expanding it from a single room to over 350 centers, while , who passed away in 2022, focused on nursing, maternity care, and initiatives like installing cradles for abandoned infants to prevent . The foundation's mission centers on alleviating human suffering through compassionate, comprehensive support, envisioning a society free from with access to , healthcare, and shelter for all vulnerable groups. Its key services include free hospitals and mobile dispensaries in underserved areas, rehabilitation centers for drug addicts and the mentally ill, orphanages and homes for the elderly and disabled, and maternity aid, disaster relief operations both nationally and abroad (including 2025 flood response efforts), free legal assistance, and burial services for the unclaimed deceased. These efforts, managed by a lean staff of professionals and volunteers, have impacted millions, emphasizing basic and community involvement while rejecting government or institutional funding to maintain independence.

History

Founding and Early Years

Abdul Sattar Edhi, born in 1928 in , , British , migrated to the newly formed in 1947 amid the partition's upheaval, settling in where he initially worked as a and commission agent to support himself. Deeply influenced by his mother's daily acts of giving to the poor and the Islamic principles of charity and for the vulnerable, Edhi resolved to dedicate his life to welfare work, viewing service to humanity as a religious duty transcending personal gain. In 1951, Edhi formally registered the Edhi Foundation and established its first free dispensary in Karachi, funded entirely by his personal savings from odd jobs. With community donations, he soon acquired and converted an old van into the organization's inaugural , enabling mobile emergency response to the city's underserved populations. This modest setup marked the beginning of a commitment to accessible healthcare in a resource-scarce environment. Throughout the 1950s, the foundation's early efforts centered on providing free medical aid through the dispensary, performing burial rites for thousands of unclaimed bodies abandoned in streets and hospitals, and operating small-scale shelters for the homeless, destitute women, and abandoned children. These services addressed immediate crises in post-partition , where and displacement were rampant. Bilquis Edhi, a trained nurse who joined the dispensary in the mid-1960s, contributed significantly to the medical operations and laid the groundwork for childcare support by assisting with and infant care needs. The foundation's approach in these formative years relied on Edhi's personal involvement and volunteer contributions, gradually building trust and expanding from a single-room to a network of essential aid points, setting the stage for broader humanitarian initiatives.

Expansion and Key Milestones

The Edhi Foundation's expansion accelerated in the late 1950s and 1960s, building on its initial established in 1951. In 1957, acquired the organization's first , a converted van used for , marking the beginning of what would become the world's largest volunteer network. By the 1970s, the foundation had grown its fleet to over 100 ambulances, enabling nationwide response capabilities, while established early maternity homes to support maternal and child health services for the underserved. This period also saw the opening of the first dedicated welfare centers beyond , laying the groundwork for a decentralized network. Key milestones in the and further solidified the foundation's . In the late , the Edhi Foundation launched its air service, utilizing helicopters and to reach remote and disaster-struck areas, though operations were discontinued in the late due to challenges. By the , the organization introduced a marine service with 28 boats to assist in coastal emergencies, floods, and search-and- operations along Pakistan's coastline. These developments expanded the foundation's reach to over 300 welfare centers across by 2010, providing integrated from urban hubs to rural outposts. The foundation played a pivotal role in national crises, demonstrating its scalability during major disasters. Following the , Edhi teams deployed ambulances, trucks loaded with supplies, and volunteers to and surrounding areas, delivering food, medical aid, and shelter to thousands amid chaotic relief efforts. In the 2010 floods that displaced millions, the organization coordinated rescues and provided emergency assistance, including temporary shelters and rations, to affected communities in and provinces. After Abdul Sattar Edhi's death in 2016, leadership transitioned to his son Faisal Edhi, ensuring continuity of operations under family stewardship. Bilquis Edhi continued her work in nursing, maternity care, and childcare initiatives until her death on April 15, 2022. The foundation relaunched its air ambulance service in 2017 with renewed acquisitions, enhancing rapid medical evacuations. By 2021, the fleet had expanded to over 1,800 vehicles, supporting 24/7 emergency responses nationwide. In 2025, the Edhi Foundation responded to severe flash floods in and other regions, impacting over 4.2 million lives through evacuations, , and provision; teams rescued and relocated more than 30,000 individuals to safety using boats, ambulances, and helicopters. This ongoing expansion reflects the organization's evolution from a single center in 1951 to a comprehensive network of over 300 welfare centers and extensive emergency infrastructure by 2025.

Organizational Overview

Mission and Principles

The Edhi Foundation's core mission is to alleviate the suffering of the poor, needy, and marginalized by providing essential healthcare, , and social welfare services, guided by the philosophy of "Live and Help Live." This ethos emphasizes assisting others to live happily and free from hardships, rooted in and Islamic principles of charity, including and , which are seen as duties to purify wealth and foster compassion. At its heart, the Foundation operates on principles of non-discrimination, serving individuals regardless of religion, caste, nationality, color, class, or creed, viewing service to humanity as a universal religion. It maintains a non-commercial, non-political, and non-sectarian (non-communal) approach, ensuring aid is delivered impartially and without bias toward any group or ideology. Self-reliance is a cornerstone, with all activities funded exclusively through public donations from individuals and select businesses, rejecting government support or foreign aid from donor agencies to preserve independence and avoid external influences. The organization commits to 24/7 availability of services through a vast network of volunteers and centers, promoting volunteerism as essential to its operations and ensuring round-the-clock emergency response and welfare support. Transparency is upheld by treating its work as an "open book," with clear distribution of aid to build trust among donors. Additionally, the Foundation emphasizes preventive welfare measures, such as , education, and rehabilitation programs, to reduce long-term dependency and empower communities toward self-sufficiency.

Leadership and Governance

The Edhi Foundation was established in 1951 by , who led the organization as its founder and principal head until his death in 2016, guiding its expansion into a major humanitarian network. His wife, , a trained nurse, was instrumental in overseeing the foundation's medical and childcare initiatives, including the management of maternity homes, baby cradles for abandoned infants, and services that have facilitated the placement of thousands of children. continued in a leadership role until her death in 2022. Following Abdul Sattar Edhi's passing, the leadership smoothly transitioned to family members to preserve institutional continuity. Faisal Edhi, his son, assumed the role of Chairman in 2016 and continues to direct operations from the headquarters, focusing on sustaining the foundation's core mission amid evolving challenges. Kubra Edhi serves as Director, contributing to administrative and operational decisions, while the family's direct involvement ensures alignment with the founder's principles in daily management. The foundation's governance structure is centralized at its headquarters, where key decisions are made, and regional managers coordinate activities across more than 300 centers throughout . This volunteer-driven model relies on thousands of unpaid volunteers, including zonal heads and on-site workers, supplemented by a small cadre of paid staff to handle essential functions. As of 2025, no significant changes have occurred, underscoring the organization's commitment to stability and the preservation of Abdul Sattar Edhi's vision. Accountability is maintained through annual internal audits and transparent donor reporting, with family oversight of financial activities to build and sustain public trust.

Services in Pakistan

Medical and Emergency Services

The Edhi Foundation maintains the world's largest volunteer network in , comprising over 1,800 vehicles that operate 24/7 to provide free emergency transportation for medical crises, accidents, and disasters nationwide. These s, including specialized air and marine units for remote and coastal access, respond to hundreds of thousands of calls annually, transporting patients to hospitals and deceased individuals to families or morgues; in , the service facilitated 123,962 such transfers, including 92,352 patient movements from homes to medical facilities. The network's scale and reliability have made it a cornerstone of 's emergency infrastructure, serving urban centers like —where over 200 s are based—and extending to rural highways. Complementing the ambulance fleet, the Foundation operates eight major hospitals in , delivering free comprehensive medical care, including maternity services, general consultations, dialysis, and surgical interventions. These facilities, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories for tests and imaging, also house specialized units such as eye hospitals for surgeries and vision restoration, centers for preventive care, and clinics. Additionally, the organization runs two banks in to supply needs and deploys mobile dispensaries to reach underserved rural populations with basic treatments and screenings; in 2024, Edhi's free dispensaries alone treated 76,388 patients. In emergency response, the Foundation's highway aid program stations first-aid centers along major roads, with over 500 locations planned to offer immediate assistance to accident victims and expedite hospital transfers. During disasters, Edhi volunteers mobilize ambulances, medical supplies, and rescue teams for evacuations and on-site care, as seen in their handling of increased body recoveries amid 2025's extreme heatwaves in Karachi, where morgue services processed significantly more unclaimed remains than usual. The organization also manages body recovery operations, providing ritual bathing, shrouding, and burials for unclaimed deceased; in 2024, this included 579 burials and identification of 620 bodies via biometric programs. Specific initiatives extend to free eye banks and clinics, serving millions through vision restoration programs, while TB screening and cancer support are integrated into broader hospital services for early detection and treatment.

Social Welfare and Childcare Services

The Edhi Foundation's childcare services, initiated in 1949 under the oversight of , encompass centers and dedicated support for abandoned infants and orphans across . These programs include the placement of "Jhoola" baby cradles at Edhi centers nationwide, where unwanted newborns can be safely left; since the 1970s, these cradles have facilitated the rescue and care of over 20,000 abandoned infants, with an estimated 20 such cases received monthly in recent years. Abandoned children are promptly transferred to Edhi Homes—also known as Apna Ghar—for immediate medical and nursing care, followed by nutritional support, , counseling, and recreational activities aimed at holistic development. The process involves stringent screening of prospective parents, including childless couples, with ongoing follow-up visits to monitor the child's welfare and ensure confidentiality of records. Edhi Homes serve as comprehensive shelters for vulnerable populations, accommodating over 6,000 residents annually in 13 to 18 facilities scattered across major cities like , , and . These homes primarily support orphans and runaways but extend to the homeless, elderly, disabled individuals, and women in distress, with seven specialized old-age homes operating in alone. Rehabilitation efforts within these facilities focus on support and recovery for drug addicts, featuring personalized care plans, training, and programs to promote self-sufficiency and family reunification where possible. Residents receive basic medical attention as part of daily operations, alongside vocational training to foster independence. Beyond human welfare, the Foundation provides essential services such as graveyard operations for unclaimed bodies, having facilitated over 58,000 burials through its extensive network in cities including , , and . Its legal aid department offers free assistance to the poor, securing the release of numerous innocent prisoners and supplying essentials like food to inmates via regular jail visits. Animal welfare is addressed through dedicated hostels in , where injured and abandoned animals—such as monkeys, deer, and domestic birds—receive veterinary treatment, shelter, and compassionate rehabilitation by trained staff. Overall, these initiatives shelter and support more than 50,000 individuals annually, emphasizing protection, skill-building, and reintegration for Pakistan's most marginalized groups.

International Operations

Global Offices and Outreach

The Edhi Foundation maintains a network of international offices in nine countries, including the , , , , , , , , and the , primarily established starting in the early to facilitate and operational coordination for its humanitarian activities. These branches, such as the New York office opened in 1991 as the first international outpost, operate charitable shops and administrative hubs that channel resources back to Pakistan-based programs without providing direct on-the-ground services abroad beyond logistical support. The foundation's global outreach emphasizes coordination for refugee assistance and emergency logistics, particularly in the and , where it has conducted relief operations since the late , including aid to beginning in 1978 and support during conflicts in in 1983. Through these efforts, the collaborates with international non-governmental entities to enhance distribution, focusing on essential supplies like and medical resources for displaced populations. Overseas offices play a key role in funding, generating a substantial portion of the foundation's donations from communities to sustain its work, with no involvement in local service delivery outside coordination functions. In recent years, the foundation has extended targeted outreach gestures, such as a $200,000 donation to in March 2020 to combat the , handed over by Chairman Faisal Edhi to support neighboring humanitarian needs. Additionally, in 2021, it offered to deploy 50 fully equipped ambulances and medical staff to amid the country's severe surge, underscoring its commitment to cross-border solidarity despite geopolitical tensions. These initiatives highlight the foundation's role in fostering global humanitarian networks while prioritizing administrative and financial support from its international presence.

International Humanitarian Aid

The Edhi Foundation has played a significant role in international , delivering emergency relief, medical supplies, and support to victims of disasters and conflicts worldwide since the late . Its efforts emphasize rapid response and direct assistance, often in coordination with local partners, focusing on , healthcare, and evacuation services. These initiatives are funded primarily through donations channeled via the foundation's global offices in countries such as the , , and . In response to major disasters, the foundation has provided targeted aid, including during the , where it mobilized resources for relief efforts to support affected communities despite logistical challenges in the region. Historical examples include Rs 1 million in famine relief to drought-stricken areas of in 1985, Rs 0.5 million plus an for flood victims in in 1986, and medical supplies such as blood, plasma, and surgical instruments worth Rs 4.5 million for Persian Gulf War refugees in 1991. Similarly, in the response, teams focused on delivering essential supplies to survivors. These efforts highlight the foundation's commitment to cross-border evacuations and immediate needs in earthquake and conflict zones, such as aid to earthquake victims in 1989 and Bosnian refugees in 1993–1994. Regionally, the Edhi Foundation has maintained long-term support for since 1978, providing ongoing relief supplies, food, and medical aid, which intensified after the political changes to address heightened humanitarian needs. In , its famine relief in set a precedent for response, while in , flood aid in addressed vulnerabilities in flood-prone areas. The foundation's key initiatives include a marine search-and-rescue operation with 28 boats along the coastline—part of the broader —facilitating rescues during floods, shipwrecks, and maritime emergencies. These programs extend relief to numerous countries, encompassing and support through partnerships that enhance logistics and on-ground delivery. In recent years, the foundation has adapted to emerging crises via strategic partnerships. For the 2024–2025 conflicts, particularly in Gaza, it provided monthly stipends of Rs 25,000 to 70 displaced Palestinian students studying in , covering educational and living expenses amid the ongoing humanitarian emergency. These updates reflect continued emphasis on vulnerable populations, with support drawn from international networks to ensure efficient aid flow.

Legacy and Recognition

Abdul Sattar Edhi's Role

was born in 1928 in , a village in , British , into a Memon Muslim family. Following the in 1947, he migrated to the newly formed , settling in , where he began his early career as a and hawker to support himself after leaving school at age 11. Edhi's personal life exemplified profound selflessness; he lived ascetically in a single, sparsely furnished room adjacent to the Edhi Foundation's headquarters, owned no personal property, drew no salary from the organization, and continued to personally drive ambulances well into his later years, often attending to emergencies himself despite health challenges. These sacrifices underscored his commitment to a life of service, forgoing material comforts to dedicate himself fully to humanitarian causes. Edhi's visionary innovations transformed social welfare in , including the establishment in the of anonymous baby cradles—known as "jhoolas"—outside Edhi centers, allowing parents to safely surrender unwanted infants and preventing or abandonment in harsh conditions. Under his leadership, the Edhi Foundation developed the world's largest volunteer ambulance service, starting with a single van in 1957 and expanding to over 1,500 vehicles by the , providing free emergency response across urban and rural areas. He also authored books on , most notably his 1996 autobiography A Mirror to the Blind, which detailed his philosophy of compassion and service without based on , , or status. Edhi passed away on July 8, 2016, at the age of 88 in Karachi due to kidney failure after a prolonged illness. His death prompted a national day of mourning declared by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, and he received a state funeral at Karachi's National Stadium, attended by thousands including political leaders and dignitaries, marking one of Pakistan's rare honors for a non-political figure. Edhi's lasting influence endures through the Foundation's guiding motto, "Live and Help Live," which embodies his vision of mutual aid and non-sectarian humanitarianism as the core principle driving its operations. His family, including his wife Bilquis Edhi, has continued this leadership to sustain the organization's mission.

Awards, Media, and Memorials

Abdul Sattar Edhi, the founder of the Edhi Foundation, received numerous prestigious awards for his humanitarian efforts, which also elevated the organization's global recognition. In 1986, he was awarded the for Public Service, often regarded as Asia's , for his work in providing social services to Pakistan's destitute populations. He also received the in 1988 for his contributions during the Armenian earthquake disaster relief efforts. Edhi was nominated for the multiple times, including in 1997, 2007, and 2010, highlighting his international stature as a philanthropist. The Edhi Foundation itself has been honored with awards such as the Isa Award for Service to Humanity in recognition of its non-discriminatory aid work. The Foundation and Edhi's work have been extensively portrayed in media, underscoring their impact on humanitarian aid. Documentaries such as These Birds Walk (2013), directed by and , offer an intimate look at the Edhi Foundation's shelters for runaway children in , capturing the organization's role in providing refuge and rehabilitation. Another notable film, The Kingdom of Mister Edhi (2012), explores Edhi's personal dedication to serving the marginalized, portraying him as a beacon of compassion amid Pakistan's social challenges. Global news outlets like and have frequently covered the Foundation's responses to natural disasters, including its rapid deployment of ambulances and relief teams during the 2010 floods, which amplified its reputation for efficient, on-the-ground aid. Memorials and commemorations have cemented the Edhi Foundation's legacy in and beyond. In 2016, following Edhi's death, a major road in was renamed Edhi Avenue to honor his lifelong service. The issued a commemorative Rs50 in 2017 in recognition of his humanitarian services. honored him with a on July 28, 2017, his birthday, featuring his image alongside an to represent the Foundation's emergency services. Annual observances, particularly on Edhi's death anniversary on July 8, include nationwide tributes and events at Foundation centers, with the ninth anniversary in 2025 drawing reflections on his enduring influence. Public perception of the Edhi Foundation portrays it as a symbol of selfless service, with Edhi often dubbed "'s " for his unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized, transcending religious and ethnic divides. This image was further bolstered by the Foundation's response to the 2025 Pakistan floods, where it evacuated over 30,000 people, established medical camps, and distributed aid to more than 4.2 million affected individuals, reinforcing its role as a resilient and trusted provider of emergency relief.

References

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  55. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ranisingh/2016/07/09/edhi-who-washed-discarded-dead-bodies-and-was-pakistans-only-free-health-provider-has-died/
  56. https://shadowproof.com/2016/07/11/life-legacy-abdul-sattar-edhi-pakistans-beloved-humanitarian/
  57. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2017/2/28/abdul-sattar-edhi-why-google-honours-him-today
  58. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/09/pakistan-philanthropist-abdul-sattar-edhi-angel-of-mercy-dies-aged-88
  59. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/7/9/thousands-attend-funeral-for-pakistans-legendary-edhi
  60. https://rmaward.asia/rmawardees/edhi-abdul-sattar/
  61. https://www.edhi.org.au/recognition
  62. https://english.aaj.tv/news/10353547/abdul-sattar-edhis-honors-and-awards
  63. https://www.isaaward.org/official-press-release-to-announce-the-winner-of-isa-award-for-service-to-humanity-awarded-to-edhi-foundation-pakistan/
  64. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/these-birds-walk-takes-an-intimate-look-at-the-lives-of-pakistans-runaway-children
  65. https://tribune.com.pk/story/1138245/5-edhi-documentaries-must-watch-honour-lifes-work
  66. https://www.nonprofitquarterly.org/moving-stories-of-service-to-the-poor-from-pakistans-edhi-foundation/
  67. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jul/09/abdul-sattar-edhi-honoured-with-pakistan-state-funeral
  68. https://www.sbp.org.pk/press/2017/pr-edhi-coin-28-mar-17.pdf
  69. https://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-remembers-legendary-humanitarian-abdul-sattar-edhi/3416929.html
  70. https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2025/07/08/legacy-of-abdul-sattar-edhi-continues-to-inspire-nine-years-after-his-passing/
  71. https://www.reuters.com/article/world/philanthropist-edhi-pakistans-mother-teresa-buried-after-state-funeral-idUSKCN0ZP0FR/
  72. https://www.facebook.com/edhi.org/posts/-edhi-flood-relief-update-19-sept-2025-over-42-million-lives-impacted-edhi-found/1210968984402970/
  73. https://shinehumanity.org/blog/top-ngos-flood-relief-pakistan
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