Philanthropist Edhi dies aged 88

Renowned Pakistani philanthropist Abdul Sattar Edhi, who dedicated his life to the poor, has died at the age of 88. Edhi's family said he died on Friday at a medical centre in Karachi where he had been having treatment for weeks.

Thousands flocked to the National Stadium in Karachi  yesterday for his funeral, amid an army guard of honour.

Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif expressed his sorrow at Edhi's death.

"He was a noble soul who dedicated his life in service of mankind," said Sushma Swaraj, the foreign minister of India.

Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai repeated her call for him to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Edhi came from a family of Gujarati traders and arrived in Pakistan in 1947.  He opened his first clinic in 1951 and the Edhi Foundation grew to be the country's largest welfare organisation, running schools, hospitals and ambulance services across the country, often plugging gaps in services which the state simply fails to provide.

Correspondents say Edhi was Pakistan's most respected figure and was seen by some as almost a saint. He was also known for his humble lifestyle - he reportedly owned just two sets of clothes and lived in a small and sparsely-furnished room next to the office of his foundation.