FCCI standing committee on social welfare will be reactivated to further strengthen the social welfare mission of Abdus Sattar Edhi in Faisalabad, said President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Chaudhary Muhammad Nawaz.
He was addressing a condolence reference organized by FCCI to pay tribute to the renowned and iconic social worker of the country. Business leaders and heads of various trade bodies also participated in this reference.
President FCCI paid glowing tribute to the committed and devoted services rendered by Abdus Sattar Edhi for the abandoned, poor and have-nots. He said that Edhi always took lead in providing relief to the afectees of various national calamities across the country. He said that despite of the custodian of huge assets of Rs112 billion, he proved himself as an example of simplicity who had revived the glorious examples set by Islamic Caliphs.
He said that it was revealed after his death that he has only two pairs of cloths and one pair of shoes which was at least twenty years old. He also remembered his (Edhi) services for the burial of unclaimed dead bodies and said that now there is no one to track his foot prints. He said that his (Edhi) funeral was attended by President, elite and high officials but none of them pledged to continue his mission for the welfare of the poorest of the poor. Chaudhary Muhammad Nawaz said that he has also donated his cornea which is indicative of his commitment for the welfare of the blinds who cannot afford to get cornea transplant from their own resources.
He also appreciated the efforts of FCCI for the welfare of poor segment of society and said that in this connection the FCCI standing committee on social welfare will be reactivated.
Abdul Qayyum Sheikh former president FCCI also addressed the function and said that Edhi served the humanity without any prejudice of cast, colour or creed. He suggested that government should present him pride of performance award posthumously for his unmatched services in the social sector.
He said that Pakistan is a poor country and we need many personalities like Edhi for the mitigation of the sufferings of the poor. He also proposed that FCCI should donate at least two ambulances to Edhi Foundation to continue its mission for the welfare of the ailing humanity.
Rana Sikandar Azam executive member FCCI said that Islam is a religion of peace and welfare and we should continue this mission as a part of our religious obligation. He also presented a resolution urging Punjab government to allocate funds for Rescue 1122 to purchase new vehicles. Moreover, the scope of this service should also be extended up to tehsil level.
Haji Muhammad Aslam Bhali recommended that government should observe July 08 as national charity day to pay homage to Abdus Sattar Edhi.
Chaudhary Muhammad Asghar said that some unscrupulous elements are opening fake bank accounts to gulp the charity donated by the local philanthropists for Edhi Foundation. He said that we should remain aware of these elements and donate maximum funds to the real Edhi Foundation.
Later, the participants of the function also donated funds for the purchase of ambulance while it was also addressed by Pervaiz Khalid Sheikh, Dr Habib Aslam Gabba, Haji Muhammad Shafi and Sanaullah Niazi.