Abdul Sattar Edhi's funeral in Karachi today, security beefed up

Karachi: As Pakistan prepares to bid the final adieu to celebrated humanitarian and Edhi Foundation chairman Abdul Sattar Edhi, whose funeral prayers will be offered on Saturday in Karachi, security has been stepped across the city.

Edhi`s funeral prayers will be offered after Zuhr prayers at the National Stadium, after which he will be laid to rest at Edhi village, reports the Dawn.

Strict security measures have been taken for the funeral as it is expected to be attended by thousands of mourners and high profile figures. Army Chief General Raheel Sharif also arrived in Karachi to attend Edhi`s funeral ceremony, tweeted DG ISPR Lieutenant General Asim Bajwa.

Bajwa said the Army, Rangers and other law enforcement agencies personnel will unite to ensure safety for the mourners.

He added that a military guard of honour and gun salute will be presented at the funeral.President Mamnoon Hussain, Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif, his Sindh counterpart Qaim Ali Shah, Governor Sindh Ishratul Ibad, IG Sindh AD Khawaja, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah and Corps Commander Karachi Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar among others are set to attend the funeral.The Karachi Traffic Police has also designated different entry points for public and VIPs as part of the security plan.

"The public will be allowed to enter the National Stadium through gate number 4, 5 ,6 and 8," Dawn quoted DIG Traffic Amir Sheikh as saying.

After the prayers, Edhi`s body will be taken to the Edhi Village for burial.He passed away at the age of 92 in Karachi on Friday night.

Edhi`s son Faisal Edhi said that his father`s cornea will be donated.

"He wished to be buried in the same clothes he used to wear. He also wanted to donate his body parts, but only his cornea can be donated as rest of the organs were not in healthy condition," said Faisal.

Edhi was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2013 but was unable to get a transplant due to frail health. He was receiving treatment at the Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation (SIUT).