Description

Abdul Sattar Edhi (1928–2016) was a Pakistani humanitarian and philanthropist who founded the Edhi Foundation, operating the world's largest ambulance network along with homeless shelters, animal shelters, rehabilitation centers, and orphanages across Pakistan.

Edhi's charity work expanded in 1957 during the Asian flu epidemic, leading him to buy his first ambulance. His wife, Bilquis Edhi, later joined in expanding their network. Following Edhi's death, his son Faisal Edhi took over the foundation.

The Edhi Foundation, funded entirely by private donations, grew to include 1,800 ambulances. Edhi was the registered guardian of nearly 20,000 adopted children. Known as the "Angel of Mercy," he was Pakistan's most respected figure and was praised globally.

Edhi was critical of corruption in religious organizations and politics, advocated for religious tolerance, and supported international disaster victims. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize several times and received numerous awards, including the Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize and the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh Prize.