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KARACHI: Philanthropist and Edhi Foundation Chairman Abdul Sattar Edhi declined an offer by former president Asif Ali Zardari for treatment abroad in favour of treatment in Pakistan.
PPP Senator Rehman Malik visited Edhi in hospital on Thursday with Zardari's proposal of treatment abroad. Edhi, however, declined the offer with a simple gesture, indicating he preferred to receive treatment in Pakistan.
"Should I take you with me to London or Dubai?" asked an earnest Malik who has paid a visit to the ailing philanthropist.
The senator added that if Edhi's condition does not improve, he would visit again and take him abroad for treatment.
Interpreting for his father, Faisal Edhi said, "He insists on treatment in Pakistan, particularly in a government hospital."
"I have told him, if he gives the word, I will take him to any hospital in the world by air ambulance," said the senator.
The philanthropist was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013 but has been unable to get a transplant due to frail health.
Tehmina Durrani, who is collaborating with the Edhi Foundation on food and heat stroke relief centres in Ramazan, proudly tweeted Edhi's reaction to the offer for treatment abroad.
In the past, the eminent humanitarian has declined Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's offer to donate 10 million Indian rupees to his charity after the safe return to India of hearing and speech impaired girl Geeta stranded in Pakistan. Geeta had been under the Edhi Foundation's care during her time in Pakistan.
Members of Pakistan's political elite have often drawn the ire of the public due to their decisions to travel abroad for medical treatment instead of being treated at local hospitals.
The state of healthcare in Pakistan is abysmal, with people living outside urban centers having little to no options of medical facilities.
A report compiled by the Pakistan Medical Association in 2013 said most Pakistanis have no access to primary healthcare, emergency obstetrical care or emergency healthcare.
The doctors’ body report said: “The political leadership of federal and provincial governments has not shown any commitment or political will to address the real health issues in Pakistan. The health of the nation has become a matter of cheap slogans and corruption, more so with increased donor funding."
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Comments (109) Closed
Jun 10, 2016 02:28pm
A very beautiful Pakistani. May Allaha give him a good health. Ameen
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Jun 10, 2016 02:31pm
He has principled stance whether it's Zardari or Modi. Great humanitarian and true to his principled beliefs!
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Jun 10, 2016 02:34pm
More than 50% of pakistan populations are sick due to leaders who took public funds not so?
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Jun 10, 2016 02:39pm
So sad to see Edhi sb like this in such a frail condition.We desperately need him to be healthy.Praying to God for his recovery and well being.If something happens to him it would leave all of us Pakistanis heartbroken.
Love and respect
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Jun 10, 2016 02:43pm
He is a genuine honest man and would never agree to receive any favor involving financing with tainted money. Our leaders must learn patriotism from him.
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Jun 10, 2016 02:46pm
Get well soon our pride.
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Jun 10, 2016 02:47pm
Ehdi sahib is a true son of soil who first declined Modis offer of one million dollar and know Zardaris offer for treatment.
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Jun 10, 2016 02:54pm
Edhi, should get treated abroad (incase his ailment treatment is not available in Pakistan or is in complex condition), if not for himself, at least for Pakistan. The people of Pakistan need him well and healthy. This is no time to be patriotic but practical. May you get well soon Edhi!!
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Jun 10, 2016 02:55pm
A great man. We need few more like him in our beloved homeland.
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Jun 10, 2016 02:58pm
Shame on current and past PMs and Presidents who run out of country even if they sneeze, and on our taxes!
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Jun 10, 2016 03:04pm
The greatest pakistani after jinnah is mr edhi
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Jun 10, 2016 03:05pm
Isn't there anyone in pakistan that could donate a kidney to this great man.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:06pm
Get well soon, world's pride.
R.S. Menon, Bangalore
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Jun 10, 2016 03:11pm
Doctors who work in government hospitals are very good, they gain tremendous experience over the years from all sorts of patients. When Edhi goes to a government hospital, it is the singular honour for that hospital and for the staff that treats him. I am sure he will receive the best possible treatment in Pakistan.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:11pm
Hatts off to u sir.... Respect from IoK
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Jun 10, 2016 03:13pm
Then their is Nawaz and Zardari...
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Jun 10, 2016 03:14pm
Thats a true Pakistani, ready to die as an ordinary Pakistani. On other hand Means Zardari has lot of money abroad, further how they manage to live abroad for so long and where is he financing his stay.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:16pm
AS Edhi, a true son of Pakistan, the greatest Pakistani in history.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:24pm
Malik ' s offer for air ambulance to any hospital is more of show off proudful boasting of his corrupt strengths and wealth rather than a humanitarian gesture. What would he know regarding humanity.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:25pm
Wish you get well soon may God grant you speedy recovery and we salute you for your unconditional services to the people of Pakistan. You took a very bold step by refusing Zardari offer. What a humiliation.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:26pm
I wish atleast only a few can learn from this gentleman. Pakistan is in good hands if we have got people like him.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:27pm
He is Respected man,Hummanity is live in that person..
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Jun 10, 2016 03:27pm
Our politicians need to learn a few things here. Why make hospitals if they r not good enough for the rulers?
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Jun 10, 2016 03:30pm
He is one f very rare breeds of people whom whole country is proud. Get well soon Edhi sb.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:31pm
I call it lead by example and values. salute to you for your incredible eork and never stop attitude.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:39pm
Mr. Edhi, please do whatever is necessary and get well, Sir. You are needed. Please take care of yourself. Thanks for all your work. May God keep you safe.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:41pm
@Harmony-1© Mr Edhi is a great humanitarian.Edhi ambulance is for noble cause in Pakistan. Be it for road accidents or terrorist strikes never compromises its principle to serve the injured &millions of poor in Pakistan.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:41pm
I am from india with middle class woking background... we respect him for his work . we can arrange his treatment in india and it will be funded only by earn money arrange by us ... no political help or interfarnce. Need some one from pakistan to establish contact with Eddhi saheb.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:41pm
A political move by Zardari.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:45pm
@سے Shaam (Hanafi) - He refused to be treated abroad...his own choice! What part of it you don't understand?
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Jun 10, 2016 03:45pm
Mr Nawaz are you listening?
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Jun 10, 2016 03:52pm
Mr Edhi is the definition of nobility. Respect to you Sir.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:57pm
If he is insisting on getting treatment in a Govt hospital, then why govt is not offering him treatment abroad?
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Jun 10, 2016 03:57pm
Zaradari and PM Sharif always go abraod for first class medical treatment, even for minor health issues. But the poor dying children of Thar (Pakistan) have no value to survive. Estimated 20000 women in Pakistan die each year because of poor maternal health services and lack of medical facillities. Edhi is a true human being and a true Pakistani who is helping and taking care of the sick and people, Orphans and abandoned boys and girls. He invests in charity from his own pocket and Govt. never helped him. Get well soon Edhi Sahab. Pakistani nations salutes you for the services you provided to the poor nation of Pakistan.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:57pm
@Reader I agree.
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Jun 10, 2016 03:59pm
@R.S. Menon
Did you read the article in detail or just read the title. His poor health does not permit a kidney transplant. It is not that kidney is not available. Duh
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Jun 10, 2016 04:03pm
What was Rahman Malik trying to do? Seek cheap publicity for himself, and his boss? Please leave our Eidhi Saheb, out of your dirty political photo ops
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Jun 10, 2016 04:05pm
@Shaam (Hanafi): It is his principal stand and principals do not follow the "doctrine of necessity". Whatever life he has to live, he will live, doesn't matter he gets treated from here or abroad. It is his belief, that is the core belief and his principals that has made him Edhi, for which the world respect him.
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Jun 10, 2016 04:13pm
God bless him! good human being!
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Jun 10, 2016 04:15pm
He is a great man we will all pray for his recovery.
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Jun 10, 2016 04:23pm
May god bless Edhi. He is apostle of peace in the world of cruality/terrorism. He truely deserves Nobel. Hope Pakistan will honour him with countries highest medal/honour if not done already. My prayer for Edhi Saab's good health from India.
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Jun 10, 2016 04:23pm
Only one word for Mr Edhi. Respect!!!!
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Jun 10, 2016 04:28pm
Indian government should award bharat ratna to Mr.Edhi and request him to have treatment in India. Edhi can become the torch bearer of Indo Pak friendship...
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Jun 10, 2016 04:34pm
The sincere wishes of all Indians for his well being. He is noble & pious soul.
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Jun 10, 2016 04:35pm
@Farrukh Arshad Why are you sentimental brother? It is just part of the courtesy & responsibility on part of the political parties PPP or Indian PM Modi shown towards Mr Edhi which he politely declined because of his long principle stance. There it ends.
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Jun 10, 2016 04:40pm
Superb (y) He earned my prayers. He is my legend
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Jun 10, 2016 04:43pm
Respect.
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Jun 10, 2016 04:48pm
@hussain haqani Edhi sahab is a great man.The politely declined money offered by Modi was rightly spent on thousands of Edhi like foundation in India.
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Jun 10, 2016 05:04pm
Great man. May he recover from his ailment and continue the good work though I understand kidney transplant immediately is not possible considering his present health condition. We need plenty of such people.
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Jun 10, 2016 05:21pm
Whilst our Prime Minister recuperates in a (expensive) private medical facility in London - the heartthrob of the nation with usual dignity chooses to live the way of simple human being.
Pakistan has very many fine medical facilities (civil and private) indeed SIUT in Karachi is the world's leading centre for kidney transplantation.
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Jun 10, 2016 05:22pm
This is called a patriot who has confidence in the medical talent his own country provides. A patriot and a generous man who has helped so many. I pray in his lifetime he receives Nobel prize for all his hard work and devotion for goodness.
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Jun 10, 2016 05:22pm
@Asif
There will be thousands who would like to donate. Its just he is too old, his body do not support a transplant. Thats why he is not getting a transplant.
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Jun 10, 2016 05:29pm
@Yogesh Desai if he rejected Dubai or London facilities why on earth would be bother with indian facilities? Makes no sense, your post. He's above all that, he trusts our own doctors and health facilities and Inshallah he will get better.
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Jun 10, 2016 05:38pm
people who are an asset of Pakistan insist on being treated in Pakistan
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Jun 10, 2016 06:00pm
Edhi foundation got offered donation by many states and statesmen, but Edhi always declined sighting that such donation normally has political interest or wants political paybacks. Actually, what I remember, Zia and Musharraf, both tried to give huge donation to Edhi foundation, but he declined to take. Many foreign countries also tried to give donation to his foundation, but he declined. He was given a place in 'Majlis-e-Shura' by Zia, but since he has to change his attitude towards life, he resigned.
Anyhow, Peter Oborne (a British journalist and film maker) has written an article and also made a movie on Edhi (showed on Ch4 program 'unreported world'). Here is what Peter Oborne writes on Edhi:
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/unreported-world/articles/all/pakistan-defenders-of-karachi-local-hero/234
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Jun 10, 2016 06:07pm
we can commend him all we want but if we don't follow his humble path then we are as bad as our political corrupt leaders !!
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Jun 10, 2016 06:08pm
Wah Edhi sb Wah. May god have mercy on you.
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Jun 10, 2016 06:19pm
True lovrt of Pakistan however I am surprised when Mr Zardari is asking him for foreign treatment what about expenses who would have been bearing it he himself surely no it would have been from public funds
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Jun 10, 2016 06:20pm
Now that is a true Pakistani! Is Nawaz Sharif/Zardari listening?
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Jun 10, 2016 06:40pm
True pakistani people like him should be made president and prime minister they will create a true welfare state.
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Jun 10, 2016 06:42pm
Good for Mr. Edhi.
This is a true patriot, self-less, humble and conscientious humanitarian. There should be more angels like him.
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Jun 10, 2016 06:46pm
Edhi should have got the noble peace prize for his humanitarian service. We pray for his recovery. It is pakistanis like him, who make us proud.
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Jun 10, 2016 06:57pm
You can't buy strong character and Edhi sahib is rock solid in his character.
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Jun 10, 2016 07:00pm
Great respect for this man he preach about humanity from his action rather then word . Pakistan is lucky that have person like Eidhi sahib . Has Pakistan ruled by him then the picture would be different today. Again big salute to humble selfless service of humanity Eidhi sahib.
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Jun 10, 2016 07:19pm
@Yogesh Desai .. Thank u Yogesh for your kind gesture and good wishes.
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Jun 10, 2016 07:33pm
He is the example of Lead by example!
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Jun 10, 2016 07:36pm
God Bless Edhi Saheb! A gift to Pakistan and humanity. Live a long life.
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Jun 10, 2016 07:38pm
Nawaz Shareef,did you hear that Sir?
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Jun 10, 2016 07:47pm
He is proud of Pakistan. We Love Edhi sb and pray for him. he is angel on the Earth.
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Jun 10, 2016 08:05pm
Hats off to you Mr Edhi. I literally have tears in my eyes, but we NEED you to be healthy soon inshallah.
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Jun 10, 2016 08:07pm
Cheap publicity stunt by Rehman. These politicians know Mr Edhi would never agree but make such offers anyways.
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Jun 10, 2016 08:07pm
At moments like these, one has to question the wisdom behind 'Nuclear Arsenal' when people don't have access to even primary health care, cannot afford to go abroad for treatment - like the corrupt political elite - and instead are falling like flies in the streets, literally for lack of proper hospital and emergency care facilities.
I would rather like in a little isolated, and simple island like Fiji or Tahiti than a so-called 'nuclear armed' state which cannot guarantee my survival in peace times!!!! Who would than worry about surviving a nuclear attack by an external foe!?
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Jun 10, 2016 08:13pm
@Kashmiri Nationalist ... please keep ego out of this ... my intentions is Eddhi saheb should get best treatment ..I am sure his trust can finace the treatment anywhere in the world but he will refuse that . He is asset to humanity and we should do our best to help him. I can only commit what i can do .. some treatments are avilable in some countries or even in some hospitals. I will be more than happy if he gets best avilable treatment in pakistan.
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Jun 10, 2016 08:17pm
I wish I could vote him for prime minister of Pakistan, instead we have only choice to vote Zardari and nawaz etc....
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Jun 10, 2016 08:25pm
May Edhi Sahib live long and continue to inspire us with his numerous charitable initiatives.
Like many Pakistanis and members of international communities I pray for his quick recovery.
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Jun 10, 2016 08:28pm
I pray that he lives to receive well deserved Noble Price
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Jun 10, 2016 08:54pm
A true Muslim and Pakistani
Learn Mr Sharif Mr Zardari
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Jun 10, 2016 09:14pm
It is true He is Pakistan. I can not think of any other person who's feeet I would love to kiss . And I would consider this an honor. There are many others such as Dr. Adeeb Rizvi. But Edhi is Edhi.Our so called leaders should be ashamed and learn a thing or two from this humble act. PM Nawaz you could have your bypass in Pakistan. Why you and likes u must go to western countries for even regular check ups. Shame on u all.
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Jun 10, 2016 09:17pm
Great Pakistani... We all pray for his speedy recovery. Ordinary Pakistanis can donate for his treatment abroad from their genuine earnings. No Govt expense or Nawaz /Zardari money. Just Edhi foundation set up fund!!
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Jun 10, 2016 09:21pm
@YOGESH DESAI indeed a very kind gesture from the other side of the boundary. This man, Edhi also came to Pakistan from your side. And you may rightly feel proud for him.
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Jun 10, 2016 09:30pm
at least zadari noffer treatment for edhi not like nawaz never took notice
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Jun 10, 2016 09:33pm
Proud of you edhi sahib...
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Jun 10, 2016 09:35pm
@Yogesh Desai - Appreciable gesture. There are very good private hospitals and doctors here too and they will be happy to treat him for free (and many people here would do the that too) but Mr Edhi insists treatment in a normal government hospital and wants no favours.
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Jun 10, 2016 09:42pm
Edhi is Pakistan
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Jun 10, 2016 09:45pm
Mr Edhi will never want to be treated oversees with ill gotten wealth.Wish him speedy recovery.
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Jun 10, 2016 10:16pm
Magnificent! Edhi Sahib puts to shame the rabble that graces our parliament. Amazing that rich and the famous -- at home and abroad, should continue to ply him with offers of money. Haven't they got to know the man by now? Our elite goes abroad for medical treatment. Normal people living abroad go to Pakistan to get less expensive but good private treatment. Edhi Sahib opts only to be treated in government hospitals. Truly a breed apart.
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Jun 10, 2016 10:30pm
These are the perfect human beings that many call as saints and Walis.
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Jun 10, 2016 10:35pm
Respect to you Edhi! And shame on the leaders who of course try and throw khairaat for PR out of the same looted wealth which makes people poor.
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Jun 10, 2016 10:36pm
There is nothing wrong in going abroad for treatment. If you can afford you should avail a facility.
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Jun 10, 2016 10:47pm
Common sense says bring the Specialists to Edhi in our government hospital.
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Jun 10, 2016 10:54pm
What a great man and a wonderful legacy he will leave behind.
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Jun 10, 2016 11:11pm
A true Pakistani. Edhi Sahab sending a very powerful message but is anyone listening. I doubt!!!
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Jun 10, 2016 11:20pm
Great man of values indeed . A slap on face of zardari and Nawaz Sharif.
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Jun 10, 2016 11:38pm
Zardari is offering to gain political publicity, otherwise, he would have come personally to see Mr. Edhi to show his sincerity.
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Jun 10, 2016 11:43pm
Why can't the government, either PMLN or PPP in Sindh make hospitals where people like Edhi and other millions of poor people can be treated at home, rather than taking overseas trips.
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Jun 10, 2016 11:56pm
Get well soon..Edhi Saahib. Humanity needs you.
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Jun 11, 2016 12:08am
Great human.. Great man.. Proud Pakistani.. And pride of Pakistan.
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Jun 11, 2016 12:19am
A lesson for political leaders.
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Jun 11, 2016 12:43am
He is a true humanitarian, I wish our leaders could learn 10% from this great man.
Pakistan would be a much better country.
May God give him health.
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Jun 11, 2016 03:39am
If the best doctors in Pakistan advise that Edhi sb needs to be treated abroad, then the Pak govt should arrange foreign treatment on its own expense on behalf of all Pakistanis.
And at such a need, all Pakistanis should humbly appeal Edhi sb tom accept it as the nations offer.
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Jun 11, 2016 03:43am
Zardari politics failed here. Every thing is not for sale
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Jun 11, 2016 03:53am
Salute to you sir!
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Jun 11, 2016 06:12am
An Angel/Farista of Pakistan
Our Politician Has to Learn from Nobel Men
if we get 1 person at Highest Politician like Mr Edhi
it will be game Changers
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Jun 11, 2016 10:02am
I appreciate both former president Asif Ali Zardari for atleast offering such a modest offer,while Abdul Sattar Edhi deserves appreciation for politely not availing treatment abroad.
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Jun 11, 2016 10:19am
@Yogesh Desai .Abdul Sattar Edhi was born in Bantva,India, but now lives in Karachi Pakistan, we appreciate & thank you for your gesture although your comments lacks your contact.We are also thankful for Apollo Hospital Delhi,and other Indian Hospitals treating so many liver patients from Pakistan, but you know Abdul Sattar Edhi is a phinaltropist and a staunch nationalist, he will certainly not choose to get treatment abroad.
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Jun 11, 2016 01:44pm
@Kashmiri Nationalist Stop being rude towards kindness and humane ways only because they come from India. There are good people across the border, we should befriend them. As for nationalisms mentioned in your namesake, doubt that our great Mr. Edhi has ever had any place for such!
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Jun 11, 2016 01:50pm
@Yogesh Desai Thank you Mr. Desai for your very kind thoughts
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Jun 11, 2016 03:33pm
The audacity of sympathising ... and the offer:
"I have told him, if he gives the word, I will take him to any hospital in the world by air ambulance," said the senator.
So, the ex-Minister of Information doesn't know of the Air Ambulance Service available in Pakistan, "Edhi Air Ambulance Service." It has two aircrafts and one helicopter!!!
And guess who's in charge of them?
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Jun 11, 2016 04:10pm
great edhi sahab
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