Legendary Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, who had dedicated his life to humanity and serving the poor, has died here from renal failure.

92-year-old Edhi died late last night after facing respiratory problem during dialysis due to his frail health.

He was accorded a state funeral with tens of thousands of people including President Mamnoon Hussain and army chief General Raheel Sharif attending his funeral.

Edhi, who had dedicated his life to humanity and serving the poor, was widely respected in Pakistan due to his humanitarian and social welfare works.

Edhi foundation had taken care of Indian girl Geeta during her over a decade—long stay in Pakistan. Geeta, with speech and hearing impairments, was about 11 years old when she is believed to have accidentally crossed over to Pakistan and returned in India in October last year.

The government has also announced a day of mourning for Edhi while the provincial Sindh government has said three days of mourning will be observed.

Tens of thousands of mourners showed up at the funeral prayers held at the National Stadium amid right security as Edhi’s son, Faisal stood in the front row with the President and military chief who later condoled him personally.

Besides Hussain and Raheel, the heads of the other armed forces, the Chief Ministers of the Punjab and Sindh provinces, Chairman Senate and other leading political and prominent personalities attended the funeral in which a military guard of honour was also given to Pakistan’s celebrated philanthropist.

Major shopping centres and markets remained closed and the roads remained deserted across Pakistan.

Edhi will be laid to rest at the Edhi village he founded 25 years ago where thousands more are expected to be part of the funeral procession. The well—known social worker had chosen the space for his grave 25 years ago at the Edhi village which is home to hundreds of homeless, destitute, abandoned children and the elderly.

Tributes from all walks of life started pouring in on the social media and television channels soon after Faisal announced his father had passed away.

“Truly saddened to hear of Edhi Sahab’s passing. He was a noble soul & a great Pakistani. He gave the first big donation to SKMT 26 years ago,” Chairman of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Imran Khan tweeeted.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari expressed profound grief and sorrow over the passing away of Edhi. “RIP #EDHI sahab,” he tweeted.

Sushma Swaraj condoles death

Sushma Swaraj today condoled the death of Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, who passed away late last night in Karachi.

“I express my deep sense of grief on the demise of Abdul Sattar #EdhiSahab. He was a noble soul who dedicated his life in service of mankind.

“My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and #Edhi Foundation,” she tweeted.

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