Dr.Ruth Pfau devoted her life to helping those affected by leprosy in Pakistan for the past five decades. Her death on the 10th of August left a deep void in Pakistan. Hailing from Germany, she stayed back in Pakistan and spent the rest of her life here, healing and caring for those who have usually been forgotten in our country.
For her countless services to the nation, the government announced a state funeral for her which was held today.
#DrRuthPfau last rituals held in Karachi with national honour. pic.twitter.com/B7lIkYI5fJ
— Raza Mehdi (@SyedRezaMehdi) August 19, 2017
In the 70 years of Pakistan, three civilians have had state funeral- Quaid E Azam, Abdul Sattar Edhi and now Dr. Ruth Pfau.
People attending the funeral have been sending out live tweets and posting pictures from the ceremony.
#DrRuthPfau has been confer with state funeral at St Patrick's cathedral, Karachi.Pakistan's flag flying half mast. pic.twitter.com/CZCuujqbLA
— Zeba Hussain (@ZZebahussain) August 19, 2017
These pictures just go to show how much she’ll be missed and how deep the loss is for those who worked and interacted with her
funeral held for Pakistan's Mother Teresa, #DrRuthPfau held in Karachi with national honour#Statefuneral pic.twitter.com/EzMHYnQciy
— Bia (@Carpe_Di3m_) August 19, 2017
#DrRuthPfau's team, the Marie Adelaide Leprosy Centre staffers, are all donning an MALC sash – they look shattered!
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
She touched the lives of so many people, people most of us in Pakistan didn’t even know existed.
Church security standing vigil beside #DrRuthPfau's coffin – guard on the right keeps wiping clean the glass window of her casket.
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
Commemorations of her life and services are also being held at different places in Karachi
Residents of Manghopir Khi pays tribute to Dr Ruth Pfau #DrRuth #Karachi pic.twitter.com/8rctEgYvKU
— SBM سعود بن مرتضٰی (@SaudBinMurtaza) August 18, 2017
On top of everything, this very interesting coincidence was spotted
Today is World Humanity Day – how befitting! #DrRuthPfau
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
Dr Ruth Pfau’s life was about bringing people together, despite religion, caste and creed. Her funeral was a depiction and celebration of her life’s work
Hindu priests as well as Sunni & Shia clergy in attendance at #DrRuthPfau's funeral. A befitting farewell to someone who stood for humanity.
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
Along with members of each community, high ranking government officials, and all three Chiefs of the Armed Forces are in attendance
Gun salute for #DrRuthPfau as her casket enters Gora Kabristan – all three chiefs of staff in attendance, salute her coffin.
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
With Dr Pfau having left us, the question of her legacy remains. Who better to answer that question that those whom she worked with
#DrRuthPfau's associate Mr.Lobo requests the world not draw parallel's between her & Mother Teresa but remember her as Ruth Pfau of Pakistan
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
The respect and love she garnered in Pakistan is enormous and this funeral procession is only a testament to that
As #DrRuthPfau's funeral procession entered the church, many saluted her casket. That was the impact the she had. What a loss. Rest in peace
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
The image above her casket bares an important message. A message for us all for follow
The photograph of #DrRuthPfau that rests above her coffin, bears a inscription that reads: "Love will have the last word".
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
Again, even in death she is bringing people together. That is the power of her personality and that is the power of the grief her death has caused
#DrRuthPfau's casket being lowered into her grave by Christians and Muslims, collectively
— Yusra Askari (@YusraSAskari) August 19, 2017
Pakistanis have taken to twitter to express their grief and gratitude to this great lady
#DrRuthPfau took the meaning of Humanity to a whole New Level. What She did for Humanity can never be forgotten. https://t.co/iYoLHtGyLu
— M. Ummar Bin Latif (@MUBL26) August 19, 2017
Legend never dies..
We 'll never forget you..RIP #DrRuthPfau
— NAziya Qayyum? (@21Nax) August 19, 2017
#DrRuthPfau will be missed, humanity at its best. let's all draw inspiration from her selfless dedication & service for the humanity.
— Bilawal Magsi (@iBilawalMagsi) August 19, 2017
#DrRuthPfau
Cant even thank you in words for what you have done.
Salute
God Bless You.— Riz (@Rizwan_Chaudry) August 19, 2017
On an occasion like this, a simple word like ‘Thank You’ seems inadequate.
Rest in peace Dr Pfau. You will be missed sorely.
Cover Photo Courtesy: DW