Campaign for Nobel peace prize to Edhi launched

LONDON: A nationwide campaign to support Abdul Sattar Edhi for the Nobel Peace Prize 2012 was launched at the House of Commons on Wednesday night by the well-known chief political commentator for the Daily Telegraph, journalist and documentary maker Peter Oborne along with key leaders from the British Muslims communities.
Peter Oborne, who is credited with introducing Edhi and his charity to the mainstream western audience, described how he realised that Abdul Sattar Edhi was a “saint” after seeing him at work in Karachi and speaking to him about various issues which opened the British journalist’s eyes to a whole new look into Pakistan and how a single man has established a functioning welfare system for the most disadvantaged through his ambulance service and orphanages.
“I realised I was with a saint. I had never met a saint before and I don’t expect to meet a saint again. I was humbled by his dedication and his humility and the way he was saving lives. I realised this was someone remarkable,” Peter Oborne said.
He said Abdul Sattar Edhi is recognised hugely in Pakistan but not internationally and it’s important his work should be highlighted and he should be given the Nobel Peace Prize. “It’s essential that Mr Edhi’s astonishing achievements are recognized, not only the work that he has done in Pakistan but his work throughout the world for humanity.”
Every speaker paid homage to the 82 years old man who is behind the world’s largest ambulance help service and charity, and who sets an example to others by living in austerity and being selfless. They spoke about Edhi’s relief missions across the world, answering emergency calls from the Lebanon civil war to the Bangladesh cyclone and tragedies in Pakistan and outside. The event organised by iENGAGE’s community development lead Azad Ali was attended by religious leaders and parliamentarians. Azad Ali, who is leading the campaign for Abdul Sattar Edhi’s recognition said it was high time that the outside world knew about
Edhi’s work as his work really represented what Muslims do through their compassion and kindness, as opposed to the negative stigmas attached to them in the west. He called for engagement of Muslims with wider community and in the media to help raise the profile of Muslim role models.
Nafees Zakaria, Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner to UK said Edhi is a pride for Pakistan and the government of Pakistan has recognised and nominated him for this prize three times before but it was unfortunate that he couldn’t come through.
Lord Ahmed called him a living legend and a phenomenal man who was at the forefront of providing help, no matter wherever the tragedies unfold, by providing help to millions.
Sir Iqbal Sacranie, who moderated the event, said that Edhi’s message should reach far and wide of the world because it’s an important message that transcends boundaries and differences.
Yasmin Qureshi said Edhi is a unique individual. He should be recognized for the work he has done and not as a favour. She said the petition for Edhi should be taken out to the heart of the communities to get the numbers of his supporters to tens of thousands.
Tariq M Awan said the House of Commons event and a large media presence was helpful in giving exposure to Mr Edhi’s work. A petition was launched for everyone to signnobelprizeforedhi.com/the-petition.phpand people were also asked to use facebook and twitter to spread the word.