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Dr Ruth Pfau, a symbol of selflessness and devotion to leprosy patients, passed away at the age of 87 in Karachi early on Thursday.
The humanitarian had been dealing with several health problems brought on by her advancing age, including heart disease, for which she has been undergoing treatment for several years.
Dr Pfau was admitted to a private hospital last Friday. She was put on a ventilator after her condition worsened on Sunday, but, according to a source close to her, she refused life support, after which doctors took her off the ventilator on Monday as per her wishes.
She passed away around 4:00am on Thursday morning after a continued deterioration in her health.
The late Dr Ruth had come to Pakistan from Germany in 1960, and was granted Pakistani citizenship in 1988.
In 1979, she was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, the second highest civilian award of the country. In 1989, Dr Ruth was presented the Hilal-i-Pakistan.
Her last rites will be performed on August 19 at St. Patrick's Church in Karachi's Saddar area.
Following the news of her demise, Chief of Army Staff Qamar Jawed Bajwa referred to Dr Ruth as an "ambassador of humanity" and said "she will always be remembered" for her services.
Condolences poured in for the late humanitarian on social media.
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On DawnNews
Comments (117) Closed
Aug 10, 2017 10:07am
May her soul rest in peace. Ameen
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Aug 10, 2017 10:09am
A great loss for Pakistan & its people. Respect for legendary Dr. Ruth.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:11am
Such a huge loss for humanity. Great lady indeed!
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Aug 10, 2017 10:11am
Her selflessness will always be remembered by Pakistanis. She was a doctor with compassion.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:12am
RIP
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Aug 10, 2017 10:13am
Dr Ruth, you'll remain forever in out heart. Pakistan can't forget your selfless services. Rest in peace. Aamen
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Aug 10, 2017 10:14am
RIP...noble and pure soul
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Aug 10, 2017 10:20am
RIP
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Aug 10, 2017 10:21am
Life can be lived like this too.
Thank you so much, Doc!
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Aug 10, 2017 10:22am
RIP. Great lady, who served a poor and needy society so well.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:24am
RIP
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Aug 10, 2017 10:24am
A great lady, had a privilege to meet her at her hospital, where she was busy treating the poor with great enthusiasm. May God rest her in peace, and let everyone of us to follow her foot prints
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Aug 10, 2017 10:25am
Love you mother. Rest In Peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:28am
thankful for your wonderful contribution to depressed ones of Pakistani society after edihi shab,we lost another paragon of virtues may your soul rest in eternal peace!
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Aug 10, 2017 10:30am
She is the light of the world especially Pakistan.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:34am
Mother Tresa of Pakistan. Rest in Peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:34am
As a Pakistani, I will NEVER forget what she did for my country and for my people. For Pakistanis, she was the mother Teresa
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Aug 10, 2017 10:35am
May your soul rest in eternal peace, indeed we owe you a gratitude for your unmatchable services..salutes
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Aug 10, 2017 10:35am
Great lady.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:35am
Commitment to humanity. Selfless character
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Aug 10, 2017 10:36am
Extremely beautiful soul, hope she will be in heart of Pakistanis for long. RIP
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Aug 10, 2017 10:37am
RIP
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Aug 10, 2017 10:39am
rest in peace you beautiful person
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Aug 10, 2017 10:40am
Rest in Peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:42am
Pakistan's national hero.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:45am
Some people are so special and do the most special things. We cannot thank you enough. May your beautiful soul rest in peace... ameen
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Aug 10, 2017 10:47am
no words for her services; such a great worker; thank u Dr. Ruth
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Aug 10, 2017 10:47am
I had the honour of meeting this great lady few months ago. The patients Leprosy and TB are extremely thankful to her for her dedication and serivice to humanity. A great loss indeed.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:50am
What a great loss it is for Pakistan. She is a role model of selfless devotion towards suffering humanity. May God bless her and may she Rest In Peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:50am
Salam & Salute.
May the departed soul rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:51am
Salam & Salute.
May the departed soul rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:52am
Jewel of lepers crown.
We shall remain indebted to U forever
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Aug 10, 2017 10:52am
Salam & Salute.
Nobel pepole departs early. May the departed soul rest in peace. Ameen
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Aug 10, 2017 10:54am
A great loss and source of inspiration for all of us.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:54am
May her soul rest in peace. He really did a great job for the people of pakistan.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:56am
God may rest the departed soul in peace .Ameen (Texas )
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Aug 10, 2017 11:00am
A great loss. Good people are getting scarce in this country.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:04am
Great lose for Pakistan
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Aug 10, 2017 11:07am
Great to respect and rest in peace. We Pakistani highly appreciate your kindness and tremendous work for people of Pakistan. We need to have lot more of such selfless, kind and passionate in Pakistan.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:09am
We as a nation should be proud to have her in our country. She forgo all the comforts which a developed world country offers to its citizens, instead she opted to live in our country till her last breath.She rightly deserves a guard of honor on account of her constant battle to help the patients heal from the scars of leprosy. In today's materialistic world, what a selfless and devoted character she was.
My salute to her commitment and dedication.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:13am
A great loss for the Nation. RIP.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:13am
Salute to your noble services for human beings. May God rest your soul in peace
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Aug 10, 2017 11:17am
May her soul rest in peace.The world survives because of such people.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:19am
A truly inspirational lady! I got emotional after seeing documentary on her efforts and great work.
Lessons for all of us!
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Aug 10, 2017 11:20am
She was a great lady who served the destitute throughout her life.May her soul rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:21am
Her passion had no boundaries. An invaluable loss to Pakistan. People like her require more media coverage to.inspire our nation and not corrupt politicians.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:21am
Big loss for Pakistan. So sad to hear the death of such a great woman
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Aug 10, 2017 11:26am
May her soul rest in peace. Great Woman
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Aug 10, 2017 11:30am
Dr. Ruth Pfau, Very generous and kind hearted to all whom she met, and a special doctor to lepers - I remember her as a kid from MALC. May God grant her soul peace. Amen
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Aug 10, 2017 11:30am
What a lady. She made Pakistan her home and lived for a great cause helping hundreds and thousands of patients. She will be remembered for a long long time. A message for corrupt Pakistani politicians and government servants: Have some sanity and learn "something" from her.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:37am
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Thank you for everything you have done for Pakistan. May your soul rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:37am
RIP lady, people like you are the reason this world works. Such a loss that words cannot describe. Sad ... vary sad.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:44am
Thank You Dr. Ruth. May God bless you soul. We will always be in your debt.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:10pm
As a nation we must be hugely indebted to Dr. Ruth for her services to lepers in Paksitan
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Aug 10, 2017 12:15pm
What a tragic loss! May she rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:20pm
We are in debt to you for your services to tbe People of Pakistan, RIP.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:23pm
Salute Dr Ruth for her dedicating her life for humanity in Pakistan.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:25pm
Dr Ruth was an amazing person who truly lived a life of faith and selfless devotion. All who can, including government officials, should make their way over to Saint Patrick's Cathedral to attend the funeral mass for this remarkable lady who did so much for Pakistan. May her soul rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:32pm
Hats off to great lady Dr. Pfau. You were a shining star on the forehead of humanity, Pakistan will never forget you and your services. God love those who love and care for their fellow human beings. Rest in peace. Aameen.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:41pm
First Abdul Sattar edhi and now Dr Ruth Pfau. GOD help Pakistan citizens.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:42pm
It is sorrow moment for the Pakistan and its people. Salute to her services.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:45pm
Inna lillahi wa ina ilahi rajauon . RIP respected Dr Pfau. You have been a beacon of light for all Pakistanis with your selfless dedication.
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Aug 10, 2017 12:48pm
Sad
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Aug 10, 2017 12:48pm
A person of commitment for the cause of humanity with selflessness!
Such a character is rare in ages!
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Aug 10, 2017 12:52pm
We salute you Ms. Ruth and Pakistan will miss you always.Our hearts are crying on a big loss.. Rest in Peace
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Aug 10, 2017 01:13pm
What a great personality, she deserve the state funeral.
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Aug 10, 2017 01:18pm
No words can suffice to pay tributes to her extraordinary devotion to serve mankind. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 01:18pm
May her soul rest in peace. My respect.
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Aug 10, 2017 01:20pm
Love and respect !
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Aug 10, 2017 01:28pm
Rest In Peace. You did a great service and always be remembered in the hearts of the people.
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Aug 10, 2017 01:34pm
Rest in peace you beautiful soul Dr. Ruth Pfau. You are a Pakistani legend and the nation salutes you for your great deeds and serving the nation. A great example of Pak-German love and friendship.
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Aug 10, 2017 01:42pm
A great lady. Salut from Pakistan to you, Ma'am, for your selfless service.
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Aug 10, 2017 01:50pm
Respect for a great human being, a beacon for our nation.
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Aug 10, 2017 02:02pm
An enormous loss for Pakistan & its people. Huge respect for legendary Dr. Ruth.
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Aug 10, 2017 02:03pm
Such devoted person are born in centuries.I pay red salute to her
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Aug 10, 2017 02:12pm
Real human being
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Aug 10, 2017 02:15pm
She solely worked for humanity. Heaven is the only reward for her. May Almighty bless her soul with lasting peace-Amin
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Aug 10, 2017 02:16pm
A great person, and Pakistani, who served the humanity. Thank you for all the happiness that you brought to the millions.
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Aug 10, 2017 02:31pm
Dr Ruth, you'll remain forever in out heart. Pakistan can't forget your selfless services. Rest in peace. Aamen
daniel
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Aug 10, 2017 02:32pm
Thank you Dr. Pfau, Pakistan is indebted to you for your services. Rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 02:33pm
Dr Ruth, you'll remain forever in out heart. Pakistan can't forget your selfless services. Rest in peace. Aamen
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Aug 10, 2017 03:06pm
You will forever have my love, respect and prayers. Thank you for all you have done, rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 03:07pm
great person dedecated her life to cause of poor people
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Aug 10, 2017 03:12pm
Great people are leaving us. After Edhi Sahebn now Mam Ruth.. RIP!!! Pakistan nation salutes you for you extraordinary commitment with it masses/ You are our hero!
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Aug 10, 2017 03:13pm
Hope, her legacy inspires everyone of us
Great example of selfless service to humanity
Dr. Ruth, you will always be remembered
RIP
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Aug 10, 2017 03:17pm
Very saad new another big loss
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Aug 10, 2017 03:22pm
RIP. Great lady
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Aug 10, 2017 03:27pm
may GOD bless her soul
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Aug 10, 2017 03:28pm
Dr Ruth was doing remarkable work for people of Pakistan. Pakistan must appreciate her great work and award her with some medal.
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Aug 10, 2017 04:00pm
INNA LILLA HAY WAA INNA ILLEHEY RAJAYOON.
May God Almighty bless the departed soul of Dr Ruth Pfau and grant her peace and solace in the Jannat-ul-Firdous. May God Almighty accord her family, relatives, patients, peers, pals, associates, colleagues, supporters, fans, clan, hospital and neighborhood friends the courage, fortitude and resilience to bear this irreparable loss. Aameen, Tsum Aameen.
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Aug 10, 2017 04:18pm
we proud of you
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Aug 10, 2017 04:22pm
You are beautiful
You are humanity
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Aug 10, 2017 04:24pm
Dr ruth you were an angel. RIP
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Aug 10, 2017 04:51pm
What a wonderful woman ... may she rest in peace.
Auf Wiedersehen!!
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Aug 10, 2017 04:57pm
Dr Ruth Pfau was the ‘Messiah’ for leprosy patients in Pakistan. She will always be remembered for her selfless services.
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Aug 10, 2017 05:15pm
She was symbol of pride for our doctors. Deserves state honour for funeral.
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Aug 10, 2017 05:15pm
Salute to Great Dr Ruth...
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Aug 10, 2017 05:28pm
I have been living near her hospital. Lots of German and Austrian doctors used to come for treating leprosy patients. My condolences. May her soul rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 06:09pm
I never saw her , never met or talked to her except that I heard and read a lot about this great lady who came to Pakistan in her prime youth of 27 years. She reserved her life and youth for her patients. How many of us Pakistani[except Edhi saheb and a few other] can match her contributions and sacrifices.
May, she rest in peace and she be blessed with rewards at the day of judgement[Aameen]
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Aug 10, 2017 06:20pm
RIP the great soul.
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Aug 10, 2017 06:32pm
Wonderful human being. RIP Dr Ruth Pfau
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Aug 10, 2017 06:34pm
Rest in peace. Great loss to Pakistan and humanity.
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Aug 10, 2017 06:36pm
A great lady who sacrificed her life for the poor lepers of Karachi and the whole of Pakistan. She left her hometown Germany to serve in Pakistan and died in Karachi to be buried here. May her soul rest in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 07:32pm
massive respect..a great humanitarian
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Aug 10, 2017 07:50pm
Salute to Dr. Ruth for her services in Pakistan.
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Aug 10, 2017 08:22pm
Another legend passed away. May God rest her soul in peace.
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Aug 10, 2017 08:51pm
A great lady who showed the world how the heart of one person can bring about change to millions!
May her soul Rest In Peace! Ameen
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Aug 10, 2017 10:09pm
So great people had Pakistan.She was a pride for Pakistan and her services would always remain in our hearts.
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Aug 10, 2017 10:57pm
Thank you ma'am. People like you are the heart n soul of Pakistan.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:06pm
May her soul rest in eternal peace. Amen.
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Aug 10, 2017 11:35pm
Such a dedicated life to service of poor's &neglected people of Pakistan .May God bless her soul with eternal peace &thanks to her family's.
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Aug 11, 2017 12:53am
The people of Karachi,Pakistan,Germany and this world have had the honor of knowing and benefiting from Dr. Ruth Pfau's life long unselfish dedicated efforts to eradicate Leprosy. Prayers and Amen.
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Aug 11, 2017 02:12am
I am feeling blessed, grateful and proud to belong to the Society of the Daughters of the Heart of Mary (DHM - Catholic religious institute) to which Ruth was a faithful and dedicated member. Love you Ruth for your missionary zeal, undaunted courage and excellance to love and serve the least, last and the lost... May you enjoy eternal bliss and please pray for us to follow your example.
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Aug 11, 2017 09:47am
Great humanitarian.
She performed in spite of overwhelming obstacles with perseverance & endurance.
We salute her.
RIP
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Aug 11, 2017 10:39am
R.I.P Sister Dr Ruth Pfau. Thank you Germany for giving us Pakistanis our mother.
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Aug 11, 2017 11:25am
Humanity needs many such candles of hope. May their Tribe increase!
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Aug 13, 2017 02:46pm
Respectful farewell to Dr. Ruth. RIP.
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