Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday announced a state funeral for Dr Ruth Pfau, a symbol of selflessness and devotion to leprosy patients, who passed away earlier today at the age of 87.

"The entire nation is indebted to Ruth Pfau for her selflessness and unmatched services for eradication of leprosy," PM Abbasi said in a press release.

He added that Dr Pfau, through her dedication and "illustrious toil", had proven that humanity has no boundaries.

President Mamnoon Hussain also paid tribute to the humanitarian, saying that "her great tradition of human service would be kept alive". He further said that she lived in the prayers of all those who were cured from leprosy as a result of her efforts.

Dr Pfau, who was German by birth, had been sent to Pakistan in 1960 by the Daughters of the Heart of Mary, a congregation of nuns that she was a member of, for a medical service for students. After witnessing the plight of leprosy patients, she decided to settle here. She was granted citizenship in 1988.

In 1979, she was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the second highest civilian award of the country. In 1989, Dr Ruth was presented the Hilal-i-Pakistan for her services.