KARACHI: Celebrated humanitarian and Edhi Foundation Chairman Abdul Sattar Edhi is in critical condition and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on a ventilator at Karachi's Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT), his son Faisal Edhi told media on Friday.

While addressing a press conference, the philanthropist's son Faisal Edhi and wife Bilquis Edhi informed the audience about Edhi's ailing condition and asked the nation to pray for his health and speedy recovery.

Faisal said that Edhi's condition got critical in the afternoon. He felt difficulty in breathing while undergoing a scheduled dialysis process "after which the doctors decided to shift him on a ventilator".

"Edhi sahb's condition is serious but we are hopeful the he will recover soon, till then the doctors have said to keep him on ventilator," he said.

SIUT spokesperson said old age is one of the factors behind Edhi’s illness.

“Edhi sahb was having trouble breathing so we shifted him on the ventilator.”

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also extended prays and wishes for Edhi’s well-being.

Edhi was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013 but had been unable to get a transplant due to frail health. He was receiving treatment at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT).

In June, Edhi declined an offer by former president Asif Ali Zardari for treatment abroad, insisting on getting it done in Pakistan, particularly in a government hospital.