The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Tuesday announced it will launch a special coin on March 31 in honour of late humanitarian and Edhi Foundation Chairman Abdul Sattar Edhi, a press release issued from the bank stated.

The federal government had authorised SBP to issue the commemorative coin in memory of the late philanthropist on July 15, 2016 following his death.

The government had authorised SBP to issue a coin worth Rs50 in recognition of Edhi’s service.

The coin will be available through the exchange counters in all field offices of SBP Banking Services Corporation, the statement added.

One side of the coin is engraved with Edhi’s side portrait and inscribed with "era of humanity Abdul Sattar Edhi" on top while his birth and death dates are inscribed on the bottom.

Revered by many as a national hero, Abdul Sattar Edhi created a charitable empire out of nothing. He managed Pakistan’s largest welfare organisation almost single-handedly with the assistance of private donations.

The humanitarian passed away at the age of 88 in Karachi on July 9, 2016.

His funeral was attended by thousands of people, including high-profile politicians and government officials.

The iconic social worker was given a guard of honour and a 19-gun salute by the Pakistan Army as his body was taken away from the National Stadium after a state funeral. His body was then taken to Edhi village, where he was laid to rest.