In the National Assembly's first resolution, after Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf took the oath, the MNAs on Saturday honoured late philanthropist Bilquis Edhi for her charitable work.
Pakistan Peoples Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari presented the resolution on behalf of the signatories.
“This House expresses its deep grief over the passing of Begum Bilquis Edhi whose incomparable services and selfless devotion to the downtrodden and disenfranchised people of Pakistan have served and continued to serve as an inspiration for the world," read the resolution.
“This House acknowledges the philanthropists like Begum Edhi are a blessing for nation as she works tirelessly besides her illustrious husband for over 50 years, building and running charity hospitals, orphanages and mortuaries without seeking any laurels. This House appreciated all her single-handed efforts Begum Edhi managed to save more than 16,000 orphans and she arranged for their adoption, blessing thousands of childless families in this process.
This House extends its condolences to the family, the Edhi Foundation and to the entire nation over this irreparable loss. This House recommends to the government the Begum Edhi posthumously awarded the highest civilian award for the unparalleled services to the country and its people."
Bilawal quoted a famous saying: "Behind every successful man, there is an incredible woman" and said "we do remember Edhi sahab and today we also remember Begum Bilquis Edhi."
Prior to presenting the resolution, Bilawal in his address to the House said all the institutions of Pakistan were in a process of transitional role from controversial to a constitutional one. "If all the institutions of the country adopt this transition and follow the constitutional roles, no force in this world can stop Pakistan from reaching our potential."