“The passing of Bilquis Edhi is a huge loss"
The widow of renowned humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, Bilquis Edhi, passed away at the age of 74 after a short illness.
Bilquis was rushed to hospital after her blood pressure drastically dropped.
It was reported that she was suffering from a cardiovascular illness.
First Lady Tehmina Durrani visited Bilquis in hospital during Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s maiden visit to Karachi.
Bilquis was a nurse and philanthropist who was born in Bantva, India. After Partition, she moved to Pakistan.
She and her late husband turned the Edhi Foundation into the biggest welfare organisation in Pakistan.
The organisation has saved over 42,000 unwanted babies by placing ‘jhoolas’ (cradles) at the Edhi Homes and centres across the country.
After her husband’s death in 2016, Bilquis co-chaired the foundation with her son Faisal.
Bilquis received numerous accolades for her work, which spanned more than six decades.
This includes the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 1986 and the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice in 2015.
As a result of her work, Bilquis was named The Mother of Pakistan.
After the news of her passing broke out, many expressed their condolences and sorrow.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif wrote:
“The passing of Bilquis Edhi is a huge loss for the nation.
“An incredible woman in her own right, she stood by Edhi sb like a rock and together they set up an example of human compassion and ran one of the largest philanthropic organisations of the world.
“May her soul rest in peace!”
Tehmina Durrani said: “Today I lost the woman who became my mother when I most needed one.
“The entire world lost one of its most valuable assets. I had returned from Mithadar believing we would meet again, alas I head back to say a final farewell.
“Bilquis Edhi was just another woman… but what a woman!”
Today I lost the woman who became my mother when I most needed one. The entire world lost one of its most valuable assets. I had returned from Mithadar believing we would meet again,alas I head back to say a final farewell. #BilquisEdhi was just another woman… but what a woman! pic.twitter.com/4fahl0eQW0
— Tehmina Durrani (@TehminaDurrani) April 15, 2022
President Arif Alvi said: “She had always been shoulder to shoulder with Abdul Sattar Edhi in his philanthropic efforts and continued his work even after his death.
“May Allah bless the departed soul.”
PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz tweeted:
“The whole nation is mourning today but millions of orphans will probably feel orphaned for the first time today.”
“May Allah Almighty grant Bilquis Edhi Sahiba a place in Paradise.”
Ex-cricketer Shahid Afridi said: “Mother to so many orphans, a sister to many grieving hearts; the kindest face of humanity.
“Bilquis Edhi had always been shoulder to shoulder with Abdul Sattar Edhi in his philanthropic efforts and continued his mission even after him.”
Author Fatima Bhutto posted:
“Very sorry to hear of Bilquis Edhi’s passing, she served Pakistan’s poor and abandoned with great spirit her entire life.”
Bilquis is survived by her four children: Faisal, Kubra, Zeenat and Almas.
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