Abdul Sattar Edhi of Pakistan and Frantois Houtart of Belgium were awarded the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)-Madanjeet Singh Prize on the unanimous recommendation of an international jury to UNESCO Director-General Konchiro Matsuura, according to an announcement in Paris.

The prize was created in 1995 on the 125th anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, with the help of Indian writer and diplomat Madanjeet Singh, who is also a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador. It is awarded every two years to individuals or institutions for outstanding contributions towards its goals.

The $100,000 prize money will be shared by the winners and they will receive the award on November 16, the International Day for Tolerance. Dedicated to advancing tolerance in the arts, education, culture, science and communications,

Edhi, one of the most active philanthropists in Pakistan through his Edhi Foundation, a non-profit social welfare programme with over 300 centers, received the accolade for life-long efforts to improve the conditions of the most disadvantaged groups in Pakistan and South Asia, and promote human dignity, human rights, mutual respect and tolerance.
His foundation provides the needy with medical aid, family planning, emergency assistance and education, and sets up maternity homes, mental asylums, homes for the physically handicapped, blood banks and orphanages, among other services. His foundation also has the largest number of ambulances through out the country. Hi s social services and dedication towards it is a lesson for every one. He is the pride of Pakistan.

Pakfactor wishes him all the health and joy of life in future.