KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan on Friday issued a commemorative coin of Rs50 denomination in honour of the late humanitarian Abdul Sattar Edhi who created and managed the country’s largest charity by spending his whole life serving the poor.

Edhi is the only social worker who has been honoured with a commemorative coin, as he laid down the norms of charity and welfare.

Weighing 13.5 grams, the copper-nickel coin unveiled at the SBP has 75 per cent copper and 25pc nickel. One side of the coin is engraved with Edhi’s portrait and inscribed with the words “Abdul Sattar Edhi — an era of humanity” on the top and “1928-2016” on the bottom. SBP Governor Ashraf Mahmood Wathra presented the commemorative coin to Faisal Edhi, the son of the late humanitarian, at a ceremony held at the SBP office.

Paying rich tribute to the late Edhi, Mr Wathra said: “Pakistan has so far issued only five commemorative coins in honour of different personalities including Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Allama Iqbal, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and now Abdul Sattar Edhi.

“Edhi is the only social worker who has been honoured with a commemorative coin,” added the SBP governor.

He recalled that the decision to issue the commemorative coin in recognition of his selfless services had been announced at a condolence gathering organised by the SBP after his demise in July last year.

“On the recommendation of SBP, the prime minister decided to issue a coin to commemorate Edhi’s services at the national level. The wide scope of Edhi Foundation’s services reflects the late philanthropist’s deep insight into various social issues,” he said, adding that in rendering his services he made no distinctions of geographical limits, colour, race, nationality or religion. “The best way to pay tribute to Edhi Sahib is to espouse his cause and cooperate in all philanthropic activities.”

While thanking the SBP and the government of Pakistan for issuing the coin, Faisal Edhi said that his father would remain alive in the hearts of the nation. “His mission should continue forever for the benefit of people,” he added.

Earlier, SBP’s chief spokesperson Abid Qamar said that the issuance of commemorative coins started on the birth centenary of the Quaid-i-Azam when three coins had been issued. Twenty-seven coins commemorating various occasions and personalities have been issued so far. The occasions included the 100th and 150th anniversaries of Islamia College, Peshawar and Lawrence College, Murree.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2017