ISLAMABAD: The Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation said on Saturday it had suspended ambulance services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi after authorities shut down its control room in the capital’s Aabpara neighborhood, a claim the government later disputed.
Founded by the late Abdul Sattar Edhi, the foundation runs one of the world’s largest volunteer ambulance networks and provides health care, shelter, orphan care and disaster relief services across Pakistan.
The organization has long played a critical role in emergency response, often operating as a frontline provider during crises and filling gaps in public services.
“We deeply regret to inform you that today, March 28, 2026, the Edhi Center (Ambulance Control Room) located in the Aabpara area of Islamabad, which has been operational for 40 years, has been shut down by the administration,” the foundation said in a statement.
“Due to this situation, the Abdul Sattar Edhi Foundation is temporarily unable to continue its emergency services in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.”
The foundation said services would remain suspended until an alternative location was provided, warning the disruption could affect thousands who rely on its emergency response network.
ADMINISTRATION DISPUTES CLAIM
Subsequently, Islamabad district authorities denied taking any action to shut the facility.
“The Edhi Center in Aabpara only has a control room,” it said in a statement, adding the facility was set up on land owned by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
It added a 10-year agreement signed in 1990 had expired in 2000 and that multiple notices had since been issued asking the foundation to vacate the site.
The statement said an alternative location had already been allocated in Islamabad’s H-8 sector and that the foundation had sought time before Ramadan to relocate operations.
“Assurances were given that the control room would be shifted to H-8 after Eid,” it added.
The administration said no action had been taken to evict the facility, adding it had learned of the reported closure through media reports.
