When the Ground Shakes – The Tragedy of Turkiye and Syria

by Manahil Eman

February 20, 2023

Imagine going about your daily activities in the most ordinary manner imaginable, with no thought to what might occur in the near future, when all of a sudden, the ground beneath you erupts, literally bringing your world crashing down.

“There is light, and suddenly it’s all just dark. It’s dark and tight. I’m scared. I don’t know what’s going on.”

A survivor’s heartbreaking words heard from amidst the rubble

That is the reality for some after a Mw 7.8 earthquake struck southern and central Turkey, as well as northern and western Syria, robbing people of their happiness, peace, and some even their lives. As of today, the death count has reached at least 45,000. There are 114,000 non-fatal injuries, 2.4M people displaced, and around 24M people severely impacted by this tragedy.

The earthquake has left a trail of devastation in its wake. Entire communities have been reduced to rubble, leaving thousands of people homeless and displaced. Families were torn apart as loved ones were lost or trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Survivors were left without homes or possessions, and many were forced to seek shelter in crowded makeshift camps. The earthquake also had a significant impact on the local economy, disrupting transportation and damaging infrastructure. Schools and hospitals have been destroyed, making it even more difficult for people to access the basic services they need to survive.

A reminder for preparedness and prompt response measures

The impact of the earthquake continues to be felt today and serves as a reminder of the need for preparedness and prompt response measures in the face of natural disasters. The earthquake serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of human life and the immense power of nature, of how a split second could turn your entire life upside down, with no warning sign, no last goodbyes. Many survivors are still struggling to rebuild their lives and recover from the trauma of the disaster, while simultaneously reacting to the aftershocks still being faced throughout the land.

Thousands of homes were destroyed by the recent earthquake and its aftershocks in a region where 2 million people already lacked proper shelter.

The tragedy of this earthquake is made all the more poignant by the fact that Turkey has already suffered through numerous similar disasters in recent years, and Syria is under war. Due to the ongoing conflict in the country, information about the extent of the damage in Syria has been limited, resulting in difficulties to provide aid and support to those affected by earthquakes, further exacerbating the impact of natural disasters. Syria has been thrown into a ‘crisis within a crisis’ with no way for the survivors to get help, no way to escape, with temperatures rapidly plunging below freezing. Thousands of homes were destroyed by the recent earthquake and its aftershocks in a region where 2 million people already lacked proper shelter. The destruction also disrupted gas supplies that residents depend on for heat and caused outages for electricity, internet, and cellular service.

As I sit here reading news reports and watching videos of the destruction caused by the earthquake, I am filled with a sense of helplessness and immense fear. These were human lives, just like mine. People just like me with plans for the next day, waiting to do all kinds of things. It could’ve been my life lost in a tragedy like this, it could’ve been any life at all. Is there anything we can do to ease the suffering of those affected, of all those left behind in the remains of broken buildings and belongings, rubble and reminders? 

The answer is yes, we can. To help those impacted by the earthquakes endure this catastrophe and start their recovery, funding is desperately needed. Donations need to be collected as soon as possibly in order to fund even more rescue programs as well as kickstart the process of getting survivors situated and build back all that has been lost in this devastating disaster. These donations, although monetary are optimum, are not limited to just money. Basic necessities for the survival of the people pulled out of rubble, people who have lost all their belongings to this disaster, such as clothing, basic toiletries, food etc. can create an insanely huge impact in this road towards recovery. 

Ongoing support is required!

Moreover, a huge factor in collecting as much donations as possible is educating the ones around us about the severity of the situation and inculcating a sense of empathy in the hearts and minds of our friends. As first responders and groups like the IRC attempt to address the disaster, ongoing support is required, which is only possible if the wonder of social media is put to good use, and the latest information regarding the earthquake as well as any authentic resources are shared.

NUST and its Community Service Club are doing their very best in assisting those affected through a Relief Drive, collecting monetary and in-kind donations at the H-12 campus and through a Relief Account, details of which are as follows:

Account Title: NUST Flood Relief Fund

Account Number: 2292 7917 3412 01

IBAN: 0022 9279 1734 1201

Branch: NUST Branch, Sector H-12, Islamabad

There is still much work to be done to ensure the safety and wellbeing of those who are affected by seismic activity. By continuing to invest in early warning systems, building codes, and disaster response measures, we can help to mitigate the impact of earthquakes and ensure that communities are better able to withstand the forces of nature. As believers of humanity, it is our responsibility to be there for our people in this time of dire need and do everything in our power to respond as much as we can, gather as much help as possible, and send countless prayers for the lost and the survivors.

Workers of the World, Unite!

_{By Rana Hunain}

He is hopeless! Painstakingly hopeless! His daughter’s face swirls around in his mind a hundred times a second. He can feel his dead wife’s solacing presence surrounding him. He watches cars zooming across the road near the plantation he works on. Extravagance around him makes his pitifulness more visible. By plantation owner’s rules, his labor doesn’t belong to him. He bemoans his life for not having freedom of choice and owning his labor. He doesn’t sell his labor in a voluntary exchange; the labor is owned by the plantation owner. He belongs to the group “HAVE NOTS.”

This is the everyday story of many we see in our society. Selling one’s labor to someone else is the oldest form of exchange, stretching back to early human developments. The most common story of the beginning of civilization delineated when agricultural societies became productive enough to generate food surpluses, then the need for a medium of exchange, placement of political power, and division of labor was felt. At this critical turn, nations worldwide decided on a pyramidical society. With the ascension of this NEW WORLD ORDER, we observe a pattern of classifications emerging like master and slave, aristocracy and common man, laborer and man with the lash. This binary arrangement of society produced dichotomies i.e., ruling class, working class. And capital was hand in hand with the ruling class and political authority.

Our conception of labor

When we think of labor or laborer, portraits of bricklayers, and peasants run across our eyes. Our view of work or labor is very much myopic. This confusion about the nature of work is readily described by the division of the workforce into blue-collar and white-collar workers. A laborer is anyone who sells their time in producing goods and services to an employer for a wage. Essentially white-collar workers are higher paid “corporate slaves.” Owning your labor is an intrinsic right in exchange. Here, owning profoundly means not selling your labor when you don’t want to sell. But practically, labor has to participate in an exploitative apparatus that feeds on labor while refusing to give equal standing. Historically, during the feudal economies of the middle ages, work was meant for the slaves and serfs. Employment in the current sense of the word was pretty much non-existent. The slave market provided slaves for any kind of labor. But it changed with the introduction of craftsmanship. Work was more than just producing goods and raising the standard of life. It was more of a way to express yourself in a dimension other than art and also the meaning and fulfillment it gave. When Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the Sistine chapel, it was employment.

Labor rights: an egalitarian deal

The doctrine of egalitarianism dictates that the best state of society encompasses freedom, equality, and justice. But this free-agent scheme was the recipe for imploding quagmire. The amount of money is proportional to the freedom of choice and liberty. Socialist movements of the 19^th century were aimed at this conundrum that freedom to utilize private property was obfuscating equality for the masses. This tradition of opposing the ruling class still affects today’s leftist politics. Redemption of an equal society is concealed in redeeming labor rights.

Labor rights: a religious ideal

Religion has been the sole arbitrator for human conditions since the sophistication of mankind. This is what some of the major religions have to say about labor rights:

Christianity:

Jesus (PBUH) was a carpenter. A profession that represents wholesome work.

Bible says, “Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,

But the hand of the diligent makes rich.”

Islam:

Islam doesn’t advise the socio-economic layout that polarizes society into binary dilemmas of owner and worker, those who HAVE and HAVE NOT.

Prophet Muhammad said, “pay the laborer before his sweat dries out.” 

Labor Rights are Human Rights

Human dignity is sacred. Realizing, preaching, and protecting it are the noblest of deeds. If we find some group deprived of dignity and respect, we must devise a way to mediate their problems as a developed civilization. This is the sole reason we have human rights. Labor rights must be considered human rights to protect dignity and respect. Lack of labor rights or improper implementation of labor laws haunts the lives of the labor class. The poor labor class initiates a vicious circle of poverty which drags down the whole society. Labor rights are a marker of how we care about our less fortunate factions of society. Secondly, labor laws also help maintain equality.

Historical Movements

After four millennia of intellectual evolution, enlightenment taught us about individual liberty and free-enterprise economics in which accumulation of wealth was declared as antediluvian extinct. Labor was surrendered in front of big corporations. This created a rift throughout Europe. Astute politicians and business barons were crushing the labor class with 14-16 hour workdays 6 days a week. LABOR LAWS: a phrase with no introduction to the so-called civilized world. The labor market back then was a sophisticated form of slavery. Craftsmanship was replaced by mass production. Cities began to swell. Child labor was employed to fill intricate machine parts in confined spaces. Capitalists owned fruits of labor. Nature of work for the masses returned to a backbreaking ordeal. All this commotion in the air paved the way for labor rights movements across Europe in various regions of space and time.

The American labor movement in the 19^th century was very much active in the struggle for the betterment of workers. Organized labor unions pushed for higher salaries, more reasonable working hours, and safer working conditions for people in the industrial sector. The labor movement spearheaded attempts to end child labor, offer health benefits, and assist wounded or retired employees.

Labor laws in Pakistan were formulated in the 60s. Later on, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, who was considered the leader of the masses and had socialist leanings, practically unionized every profession and crushed the capitalist class by nationalizing the enormous chunks of private conglomerates.

“Under the Factories Act, 1934, no adult employee, defined as a worker who has completed his or her 18th year of age, can be required or permitted to work in any establishment in excess of nine hours a day and 48 hours a week.”

UN activity about labor rights is centered upon ensuring the eradication of child labor, forced labor, and decent working conditions. The current state of the labor market across the globe, According to UN GLOBAL COMPACT:

• Almost one in ten children are subject to child labor, or 160 million children globally, a number that has risen for the first time in two decades
• 24.9 million people are trapped in forced labor
• More than 630 million workers worldwide — that is, almost one in five, or 19%, of all those employed — did not earn enough to lift themselves and their families out of extreme or moderate poverty
• Each day 7,500 people die from unsafe and unhealthy working conditions
• 74% of countries exclude workers from the right to establish and join a trade union, while 79% of countries violate the right to collective bargaining, and 64 countries deny or constrain freedom of speech and assembly
• Hundreds of millions of people suffer from discrimination in work because of their skin color, ethnicity or social origin, religion, or political beliefs.

Current Labor Movements

In America, during the pandemic, corporations laid off massive amounts of workers, which helped them maintain their stock prices, and their businesses didn’t go under. This cynical handling of labor has helped develop class consciousness in the worker community. America is experiencing what is dubbed “The Great Resignation.” Workers are demanding better wages and good health insurance. Leftist politicians are calling for higher tax rates on billionaires and pushing for legislation to up the minimum wage. Unionization is a powerful tool against the ruling class. A collective body that represents the common interest of workers. Workers of major corporations like Amazon and Starbucks have voted for unionization.

Future of Labor

We live in a craven, transactional economy where we are only worth as much as our personal brand, and jobs are unstable. With the advent of the gig economy like Airbnb, Bykea, Uber, and Foodpanda stability of jobs has vanished. You are not enlisted as an employee but as a contractor, i.e., Rider. Unfreedom has been veiled as freedom. But the future seems hopeful. After 30 years of unregulated economics, wealth inequality has soared, and the new generation is cynical about the current system. Socialistic sentiments are prevalent in Gen Z. According to the Institute of Economic Affairs, a study found that 67% of 16-25-year-old men are distrustful of the government and Wall Street.

All we need is a crystal clear description of objectives and a way to deal with politics. Individual actions are the backbone of any movement, which culminates in the acceptance of more significant goals of the labor class.       

To New Beginnings

Written by Zunaira Saadat
Edited by Muhammad Hamza Waqas Awan

CORONA. QUARANTINE. 2020ISTHEWORSTYEAR. LIFEHASCOMETOAHALT

I think these are the most common things I hear, every single day since the last March. And it’s not some puzzle as to why this has become a new norm. However, we here at NCSC know how to tackle each battle. Recently, the recruitment drive 2020 allowed us to expand our family with the addition of some of the most brilliant minds of NUST. But is any recruitment complete without a proper welcome to the society? Definitely not. So how, with an ongoing pandemic did NCSC make the impossible, possible?

A timely formation of the organization committee, followed by the creativity of the event heads, was the perfect kick-start towards the event’s success. Within a short duration of time, all the invitations were sent and the platform decided upon.

Keeping social distancing a priority (and the fact that that was the only option), MS Teams came along to save the day. On 12th December at 5.30 pm, the NCSC family gathered to meet each other, as virtually as was possible. The twist here being the theme ‘Cosplay’ set for the 2020 orientation. As instructed, each individual dressed up as their favorite character and showed up, ready for the day.

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Following the perfectly balanced and well planned schedule, the newbies were welcomed by Dr. Bahadur, faculty sponsor NCSC and informed them about the success of the society and its impact. Next, each team of the society was introduced, and the audience informed about its functioning and contribution to each event that takes place in the engine of NCSC. A special video was played, recapping the events hosted by NCSC in the very recent past. Needless to say, the video touched my heart as I recalled the events I’ve been a part of because of the society, and the lives I was able to bring the smallest, yet long-lasting change because of it.

Once the newbies were well-acquainted with the works, it was time to break the ice! First off, a little game called Off-track/ On-track set the stage. Giving the audience a chance to reveal their true (weird) side as they worked their minds on what works are to be done, and those to be avoided, in the most fun way possible.

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At NUST, and therefore NCSC as well, the diversity presented is something no one can overlook. Therefore, giving this diversity its due acknowledgement is a must. To do this, a little game called Aliens have landed was planned. Through this, individuals got the chance to introduce their language and cultural differences in a creative and interesting way.  By the end of it, the walls were seriously down, and a connection was successfully established between the old members and the new ones. Following this game, creating a story was set in motion, which further helped bond and obviously was fun to be a part of.

NCSC has been home to some of the most talented individuals since its inception. Adding to that has always been a privilege and an honor. This year, the recruitment was different, and so was the orientation, but against all odds, NCSC, because of its durable and determined work force, stands and will continue to stand strong, ready to face whatever comes its way and always emerge victorious.

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Inclusivity: The Heart and Soul of NCSC

by Mominah Junaid

NUST Community Services Club operates on one fundamental principle: open-heartedness. We believe in fostering a culture of sharing and collaboration, of uplifting communities by helping their most disadvantaged members.

A long history of organizing blood donation drives, health awareness camps, orphanage visits, fundraisers, human rights awareness, eye camps, plantation and clean-up drives, cloth donations, and other charity events, powered by a dedicated team of NCSC volunteers, exists to back this claim.

NCSC’s project Al-Qalam aims to reduce educational inequity by sponsoring education of more than 150 underprivileged students. Project Orphans kNOw More contributes to the development of young children through creative educational activities.

Not only do we lead community service efforts in NUST, but we also stand behind a firm belief in community discourse and its power of change; Fempower, a women’s empowerment project under NCSC, has been a platform for public discussion on intersectional feminism and a friendly support group for women.

Above everything else, NCSC strives towards a more inclusive society. Every charitable endeavour is driven by an ethos of bringing closer into the fold those whom circumstances have forced to the margins. Our members and volunteers, our family, is uniquely motivated to do good in this world in the smallest and most incremental of ways. We espouse universality and welcome all, regardless of their caste, creed, gender or ethnicity. And that is why, perhaps, NUST Community Services Club is proud of being an ever-growing family.

7 things you can do for your country right from home

This Independence Day,
“Don’t ask what this country has done for you, ask what you can do for this country!”

1. Plant a tree

But don’t forget to water it.

 

2. Tend to the minority

Remind them that they are our brothers, and Pakistan is as much theirs as any other Pakistani National’s. Choose any medium you can, but make sure they see it.

 

 

3. Share Pakistan’s positive image with your international friends

Share pictures of the scenic beauty we have or the delicious food or the mass scale social work Pakistani’s do. Highlight the positive! We have a lot of it.

(Gwadar Port)

(Biryani)

 

4. Donate to some trusted NGO, online

It can be Rs.100/- even.
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital
https://shaukatkhanum.org.pk/online-donation/

SOS Village Pakistan
http://donation.sos.org.pk/Person/PersonForm

 

5. Help someone set up a business

For sure, you know a needy person. Buy her/him a Sewing machine. Doesn’t cost more than Rs. 4500. Paint it in our Flag’s colour for a plus.

 

6. Adopt some child’s school education fee by donating just Rs.100/- per month! 

Yes! You can do that. NUST Community Service Club’s Al-Qalam Program currently has 101 children studying in schools. You can also adopt a child by donating Rs. 100/- per month ONLY!!

Here’s all you need to know about it:
https://www.facebook.com/AlQalamProgram/

 

7. Motivate someone else to do the same
   No matter if it is just through social media or talking to your best friend, but do it yourself first!

 

The Art of Selflessness

“The Art of Selflessness” by one of our highly esteemed writers, Ishaq Ibrahim :

” If your love is only a will to possess, it is not love.”     
– Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Buddhist

The idea of selflessness is not a contemporary one. It has existed ever since mankind has and persisted to this day. Simply put, selflessness is to be concerned about someone else’s needs or wishes rather than one’s own.

There is no dearth of stories that we get to listen to from various sources that highlight the virtues and the nobility of being selfless. We have many examples around us, of people who have spent their lives for the service of humanity, and it is from them that we can draw motivation and wisdom.

We take pride in the fact that a man named Abdul Sattar Edhi lived in Pakistan. Edhi, over the span of several decades, set up the Edhi foundation and the Bilquis Edhi Trust (named after his wife) under which runs an approximately 1500 vehicle-strong ambulance network, ready to show up at your doorstep in an instant. The Edhi foundation has rescued around 20,000 abandoned infants, rehabilitated over 50,000 orphans and trained over 40,000 nurses. The numbers are staggering, and the list is endless. What is the one thing that drove Edhi to achieve all of this? To live an incredibly humble life despite being at the helm of this massive humanitarian organization?

Selflessness. The unconditional love for humanity.

It feels almost impossible for such a feat to have been accomplished. To do something even remotely similar to what Edhi did looks like a distant dream. Yet, we fail to realize that Edhi did not start out like this. More than five decades ago, when Karachi was plagued with an Asian flu epidemic, Edhi made the most crucial decision of his life: he decided to be selfess. In his own words:

“I saw people lying on the pavement … The flu had spread in Karachi, and there was no one to treat them. So I set up benches and got medical students to volunteer. I was penniless and begged for donations on the street. And people gave. I bought this 8-by-8 room to start my work.”

The one piece of wisdom that we can extract from Edhi’s life is that it takes just one human being, full of selfless love for his fellows, to make a critical difference. Equipped with this basic quality, every one of us can make that difference in the life of even a single person, if not thousands: a friend, a relative, or even a total stranger.

Happy helping!

No Escape.

She looked away from the mirror, repulsed by her own disfigured reflection. To her surprise, she wasn’t crying this time. This was the ninth time he had beaten her; she had been counting. His face was calm while he slapped her twice and held her tightly by the neck. She succumbed to his force and fell unconscious. Her head had hit the marble floor with a mild thud; her stitches from the previous hitting opening up. She had seen him leave the room in a frustrated gait; maybe he had gone to get her some water, she hoped. “I’m sorry”, she muttered as he left the room.

She could not remember how they had ended up like this. How two people could be so damaged to become used to this daily ritual of beating, bleeding and healing. The first time he slapped her, she felt wrath fire up inside of her. She would threaten him to leave and live with her parents. He would reply with a smirk. Maybe he knew her parents better than her. “I did not expect this from you Kiran. Have you forsaken everything that I taught you? Is this your new way of defaming us in the family?” her mother had said while her father refused to even look at her until she patched up with her spouse. Maybe I am overreacting, she had thought. She had no choice but to return to her husband’s place. She had seldom visited her parents’ house since.

Kiran did not want to be under the spotlight, she did not want the world to know of her household troubles and pity her. She hoped everything would be better soon.

Her eyes had changed colour; could that happen? They weren’t the former vibrant honey colour anymore but a different shade of dull brown.

She had hoped everything would change once they had a child. Well, everything would have been better had she given birth to a son. To her utter dismay, in addition to her in laws’ constant stares, mutters and taunts; she was now categorized as worthless.

The situation grew worse. Tahir, her husband, wouldn’t as much as look at her. She would do everything in her power to make him like her or even acknowledge her. She thought of herself as futile. Tahir must have had a lot of work to do at his office, his frustration was justified. She blamed herself. She should try and be a better wife. Her mother in law suggested of marrying Tahir to another woman in hope for a grandson.

“What is my fault Tahir?” she had managed to ask him one day. I do everything in my power to please you.

“I don’t have time for this”, he said while casually going through the newspaper headings.

“I know we can sort this out.” Kiran was on the verge of crying.

“Stop talking now. Don’t make this worse!” Tahir clenched his fists and gave her a ghastly look.

She shuddered but did not leave the room. That was the only conversation they had had all day or maybe all week, she wasn’t sure.

Kiran had never thought of herself as becoming one of those women who wouldn’t speak up against injustice. But then again, she had never expected that she would be the one at the receiving end. She felt ashamed somehow of being a part of this. She felt ashamed of telling her story to someone. Kiran had even forbidden Sara, her daughter, to utter a word regarding her parents’ fights. She could see herself in her daughter, not her present self, her adolescent face reflected in Sara’s. “Don’t tell anyone” Kiran’s mother used to tell her while bandaging her bruises. Like Kiran, Sara had learned to stay quiet.

She had thought of reporting her husband to the police; but what would become of her child? Would getting her husband behind the bars make her happy? Would her parents accept her after this?

She prayed to Allah that such ideas not cross her mind. Still, every inch of her prayed for a better tomorrow.

As a teenager, she had fantasized about marriage; a handsome groom, a perfect ceremony, tons of presents and a beautiful wedding gown. She had gotten all that. Maybe she was just being ungrateful. Maybe happiness was meant to be short lived; maybe she had already lived her happiness. She had never gotten to the after marriage part. She had hoped her fantasies would continue. No one had stopped her from dreaming then. No one had stopped her from voicing her opinion. Now, she just dreamt about it. But now, it was time for her to bear with the circumstances, to compromise beyond her abilities; she had to be a good wife no matter what.

She wasn’t supposed to have an opinion. She was supposed to stay quiet, calm and composed. That is what the society, her parents, her in-laws and her parents expected of her and that is what she was going to do.

By: Warda Batool

 

Abdul Sattar Edhi: 1928- Forever

Image via http://www.newsmedialive.com

08-07-2016- The day when the country was yet again shaken by a great loss as Mr. Faisal Edhi announced the death of his father, Mr.Abdul Sattar Edhi, the country’s most respected philanthropist.

The nation went into immediate mourning and social media lit up with heartfelt tributes to the man who changed lives of thousands.

But who was Edhi? He was known by many names; Angel of mercy, the living saint, Maulana Edhi, Father Terrassa and so on, yet he liked to call himself Pakistan.

‘I am Pakistan’ he would say with a broad, kind smile. As someone on social media said after his death, ‘When asked about the best things in Pakistan, Edhi’s name was among the first things that springs to one’s mind.’ He was indeed right.

During his lifetime, Mr. Edhi was awarded the Gandhi peace award, the 2007 UNESCO Madanjeet Singh prize, the 2011 London peace award, the Peace Prize from the former USSR for services in the Armenian earthquake disaster in 1988 as well as  Domestic honors such as Nishan-i-Imtiaz (1989) and several others. He was repeatedly nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

But honors held little interest for him, instead what mattered to him was

Member of a Gujrati family that participated in the 1947 migration to Pakistan, Mr. Edhi soon discarded the title of refugee and instead decided to undertake philanthropy after witnessing the state’s inability to care for his ill mother.

But he was very ambitious for his time, since he had meagre resources, little education and no money. Yet determination takes one far enough as Mr. Edhi proved. He began from learning to drive an ambulance and transporting people to and from hospitals. Soon he owned a chain of ambulances. He opened his first clinic in 1951 and the Edhi Foundation grew explosively to be the country’s largest welfare organization, running schools, hospitals, morgues and ambulance services across the country, filling up cracks in services which the state failed to provide.

‘I saw people lying on the pavement,’ Edhi said in a 2009 interview with NPR, recalling how he started his first clinic. “The flu had spread in Karachi, and there was no one to treat them. So I set up benches and got medical students to volunteer. I was penniless and begged for donations on the street and people gave. I bought this 8-by-8 room to start my work.”

Since then, Mr. Edhi and his wife Bilquis, whom he married in 1965, built the country’s biggest humanitarian force, based in Karachi, the metropolitan city, which is home to over 20 million people. Their ambulances rush to the scenes of violence and terror. They have placed over 20,000 children for adoption. They wash and bury the city’s unknown dead. They constructed a charitable empire out of nothing, which is operational all over the country yet 48 years later, an ambulance was the only vehicle Mr.Edhi had ever driven.

But what set him apart from every other philanthropist was his kind soul that keenly felt the pain of others. Mr. Edhi worked for humanity as sincerely as one possibly could. He would often be heard saying ‘There is no greater religion in the world than humanity’ and that’s what he acted upon; everyone was welcomed to his centers; no questions asked, no formalities needed, religious or racial differences disregarded. Each day some helpless women would find shelter in Edhi centers, elders found new homes in Edhi homes and abandoned children would discover new families. His centers held cribs with signs that asked parents to simply lay their child in the crib and walk away instead of killing them. Thousands owe their lives to Edhi due to his direct interventions.

But his indirect interventions impacted hundreds of lives as well. It was he who filed a petition, for example, that children with unknown biological parentage should be able to apply for national identity cards, which was eventually settled in the petitioner’s favor.

His dedication to his work soon gained him recognition and soon enough his name now commanded respect. Gangs fighting in Lyari would cease fire to allow his ambulances to collect bodies. In a country, where people enjoy soiling each other’s reputation, Mr. Edhi’s character remained untarnished. He avoided controversy and remained focused on his mission. His call for aid would result in millions donated, yet he was known for his humble lifestyle – he reportedly owned just two sets of clothes and called a small, windowless and sparsely-furnished room next to the office of his foundation, his home. He never sought fame, power, glory or wealth. He epitomized simplicity, implemented equality like none other and practiced tolerance like few could. He lived as if he was sent down simply to serve others.

As Sami Shah writes in DAWN, ‘People don’t remain uncorrupted their entire lives. Politics gives them promises of power, wealth gives them a lust for luxury, and religion gives them the narcissistic egotism of a messiah. But Edhi’.

Edhi was Pakistan’s exception. In a country split into races and ethnic wars on rise, where authority is the only way to make sure your voice is heard, where you need to be either religious or political to make a difference, Mr. Edhi was an exception. He was kind and selfless and brave. Indeed an exception to us all.

Eventually his work took its toll on him and in 2013 he was diagnosed with kidney failure. In June he turned down an offer from former president Asif Ali Zardari to get treatment abroad, insisting on being seen in a government hospital in Pakistan, because he always disliked the VIP culture.   

During the late hours of 8th of July 2016, the angel of mercy departed the world, leaving behind not only those he cared for but an entire nation orphaned.

His final words were ‘take care of the poor of my country.’

After Quaid-e-Azam, Muhammad Ali Jinnah and General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Abdul Sattar Edhi became the third person in Pakistan’s history to receive a gun carriage funeral. This is the highest symbol of respect that the Armed Forces can give to any civilian. His funeral was attended by notable names such as Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Sindh Governor Ishratul Ebad, President Mamnoon Hussain and many others .After funeral prayers and a gun salute by the army, Mr Edhi’s body was taken to Edhi village, which he founded 25 years ago, where he was laid to rest.

Mr. Edhi’s success story gives hope to all those striving and fighting to make this country a better place. He inspires the nation that individuals can make a difference without seeking authority. Though the legend has passed on, he leaves behind his legacy.

As the Slate remarks “Edhi was one of those people, as admirable as they are rare, who simply refuse to let the state of the world detract from their mission of making it better.”

Our nation has indeed lost one of its greatest heroes, a symbol of hope for many and the very personification of compassion and empathy. It will take long for that void to fill, for another Edhi to be born but what we can do as individuals is to be part of the change he dreamt of, to promise ourselves that we will take forward the missions he started, to carry on with the legacy that he left behind.