As the superlatives and tributes pour in, it has become increasingly clear that mere words cannot do justice to the accomplishments and character of Abdul Sattar Edhi, who passed away after a long battle with kidney disease. A veritable national institution, selfl essly devoting over six decades of his life to helping the poor and destitute through his charitable foundation and its associated organizations, Edhi’ s tireless efforts and relentless determination enabled him to make a contribution towards the betterment of society that will never be forgotten. Edhi’ s ambulances, orphanages, free kitchens, clinics, and other endeavors provided vital services and, indeed, succour to hundreds of thousands of people across the country and it can only be hoped that his Foundation, and those who support it, will do justice to Edhi’ s legacy by continuing his good work. Much has already been written about Edhi’ s journey, and the struggles involved in building Pakistan’ s largest charitable network. Much has also been said about Edhi’ s personal humility and modesty, and his enduring passion for helping the less fortunate. However, it is also important to refl ect on the circumstances under which Edhi felt compelled to make the provision of welfare to the poor his life’ s work. Indeed, the simple fact of the matter is that Edhi, and those who have been inspired by him, have long sought to fi ll a vacuum left by a state that has, since 1947, repeatedly proven itself to be incapable of providing even the most basic necessities to the deprived and destitute who form the vast majority of this country’ s population. The‘ success’ of the Edhi Foundation has also simultaneously served as a damning indictment of the state and its failure to protect its citizens; in an ideal world, with a more accountable and responsive state, and with a more equitable distribution of wealth, people like Edhi would not be required to provide healthcare and shelter to the poor. The statistics speak for themselves. Virtually every single indicator measuring human development demonstrates just how little Pakistan has accomplished when it comes to improving the lives of its citizens. Those who take pride in Pakistan’ s possession of nuclear weapons, or the acquisition of the latest fi ghter jets, or the inauguration of yet another road or railway track, would do well to refl ect on how Pakistan remains one of the worst places in the world when it comes to maternal mortality, access to clean drinking water, malnutrition, and literacy. Almost ten percent of children born in Pakistan will not live to see their fi fth birthdays, and over fi fty percent of the population contin-