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-