Deaf-mute Geeta’s caretaker and Pakistan philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi passes away

Karachi: Abdul Sattar Edhi, a celebrated philanthropist in Pakistan, died on Saturday owing to kidney failure. He was 92. Edhi became popular in India as the news about rehabilitating Geeta, a deaf-mute Indian girl who accidentally crossed over to Pakistan 14 years ago, spread in the sub-continent media.

Abdul Sattar Edhi took care of Geeta, who strayed into Pakistan more than twelve years ago, in October 2015 flew to Delhi to be reunited with the people she believes are her family from Bihar.

Edhi was nominated several times for the Nobel Peace Prize including in 2015. He won several international awards for his contribution to the society particularly those who’re in need of help.

His son Faisal Edhi said Edhi had been admitted to the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation on early Friday and put on life support.

“He passed away few hours ago due to kidney failure. He had been facing respiratory problems during dialysis due to his frail health. Before his death, he donated his coronaries and body organs. He had confirmed burial space 25-years ago near Edhi village and will be buried there as per his wishes. We can assure you that the Edhi Foundation and the village will continue his legacy in humanitarian work,” Faisal said.

Edhi, a well-known and popular philanthropist, was the main person behind the famous Edhi village that was set up 25 years ago to house the homeless, the destitute, street children, the elderly, abandoned babies, and addicts. He was the chairman of the Edhi Foundation.

Born in Gujarat, Edhi belonged to a family of Memon traders, who came to Karachi in 1947. He started welfare mission in 1951 by opening his first home for homeless and sick in the Kharadar area in Karachi.

“My father didn’t own a house and the pair of shoes he died in were brought 20 years ago,” adds Faisal.

Abdul Sattar Edhi took care of Geeta, who strayed into Pakistan more than twelve years ago, in October 2015 flew to Delhi to be reunited with the people she believes are her family from Bihar. Geeta is now in her early twenties and was under the care of the Edhi Foundation, the Pakistan’s largest welfare organisation located in the port city of Karachi.