Third death anniversary of humanitarian Bilquis Edhi observed

It has been three years since the passing of Bilquis Bano Edhi, the beloved wife of late humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi. She passed away in Karachi at the age of 74 and was laid to rest at the Mewa Shah Graveyard, 24NewsHD TV Channel reported on Tuesday.

Known to thousands as “Mummy Bilquis Edhi,” she was born on August 14, 1947, in Karachi. She joined the Edhi Nursing Training Centre after completing grade eight. At the age of 19, she married Abdul Sattar Edhi in 1966, despite being 22 years his junior. Their marital journey faced numerous hardships, but she stood firm and eventually dedicated her entire life to the cause of humanitarian service.

After the death of her husband, Bilquis Edhi took charge of the Edhi Foundation, continuing their mission to serve the needy. For over six decades, she remained one of the most active philanthropists in Pakistan.

Although she had five biological children, she was the mother to thousands of abandoned children, many of whom were left in cradles placed outside Edhi centres across the country. Her projects included Edhi Homes and the nationwide "jhoola" (cradle) initiative, which saved countless lives.

Bilquis Edhi jointly received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1986 for public service, along with her husband. The Government of Pakistan honoured her with the Hilal-e-Imtiaz, while India awarded her the Mother Teresa Award in 2015 for caring for Geeta, a mute Indian girl who had accidentally crossed into Pakistan.

She passed away on April 15, 2022, due to heart complications. Her death marked the end of an era, but her spirit continues to inspire generations.