Pakistan’s renowned philanthropist Edhi’s wife Bilquis passes away at 74

Bilquis Edhi, the widow of renowned humanitarian and philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, passed away in Karachi on Friday. She was 74.

Bilquis had been suffering from cardiovascular disease and was under treatment at a private hospital for the last couple of days. Bilquis was a professional nurse and headed the Bilquis Edhi Foundation. She spent more than six decades of her life serving humanity in need.

People belonging to all walks of life expressed their sorrow over the death of renowned philanthropist.

“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 & together they set up an example of human compassion & ran one of the largest philanthropic organisations of the world. May her soul rest in peace,!” Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif tweeted.

First Lady Tehmina Durrani, who recently visited the ailing philanthropist in Karachi 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. #BilquisEdhi was just another woman… but what a woman!”

President Arif Alvi said, “Sad to learn about the passing of Bilquis Edhi Sahiba. 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.”

Former prime minister Imran Khan tweeted, “Deeply saddened on hearing of the passing of Mohtarma Bilquis Edhi. Her quiet, selfless work for the poor, the homeless, especially the orphans & abandoned children, made her a role model and a symbol of hope. My prayers & condolences go to her family.”

The PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif also shared his sentiments on Twitter, saying, “She was a very kind woman who had the pain of humanity. May Allah give her a place in Jannat of mercy and grant patience to the mourners. Ameen.”

The US Embassy in Islamabad tweeted, “We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Bilquees Edhi. As a humanitarian and philanthropist she dedicated over half her life to helping those in need. She was a model of service and inspiration to many.”

“The whole nation is mourning today but millions of orphans will probably feel orphaned for the first time today. May Allah Almighty grant Balqis Edhi Sahiba a place in Paradise,” said PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz in a tweet.

Former cricket captain Shahid Afridi said in a tweet, “Mother to so many orphans, a sister to many grieving hearts; the kindest face of humanity. #BilquisEdhi had always been shoulder to shoulder with Abdul Sattar Edhi in his philanthropic efforts & continued his mission even after him May Allah bless her with highest ranks in Jannah.”

Other political leaders, journalists and netizens also expressed grief and sorrow over the demise of Bilquis Edhi.

Agencies