KARACHI, July 10, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani soldiers carry the coffin of well-known Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi during his funeral ceremony in southern Pakistani port city of Karachi, July 9, 2016. Thousands of mourners on Saturday attended the funeral of the philanthropist who passed away in Karachi Friday night after protracted illness. (Xinhua/Masroor)
ISLAMABAD, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of mourners on Saturday attended the funeral of a well-known Pakistani philanthropist who passed away in the port city of Karachi last night after protracted illness.
President Mamnoon Hussain, the Senate Chairman, ministers, services chiefs, lawmakers, political leaders and people from all walks of life attended at a stadium.
Troops were deployed outside the National Cricket Stadium Karachi to maintain security on the occasion. Troops presented salute as the body was brought to the stadium.
Edhi was put on a ventilator after deterioration of his health on Friday, his son, Faisal Edhi said.
He was suffering from kidney failure, high blood pressure and diabetes.
A large number of people walked with the coffin when the funeral procession started from his home at Methadar area of Karachi.
Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, had declared a national mourning on Saturday to pay homage to the country's most respected social worker, who had established a foundation to help the needy, orphans, mentally sick people and elderly persons.
National Flags were lowered to half-mast across the country and people paid tributes to Edhi. He had donated his eyes and they were removed after his death according to his will, his son said.
The Prime Minister had approved a state funeral for Edhi, who was once nominated by the government for Nobel Prize.
Nawaz Sharif also announced award of Pakistan's highest civil award "Nishan-e-Imtiaz" post-humously for his unprecedented services for humanity.
