Dr Ruth Pfau last rites being offered in Karachi

Dr Ruth Pfau last rites being offered in Karachi

KARACHI: Last rites with full state honours are under way in Karachi for Pakistan's 'Mother Teresa' Dr Ruth Pfau, who passed away earlier this month after dedicating a lifetime to fighting leprosy in the country.

Armed forces carried the casket containing Dr Ruth's body to St Patrick's Cathedral in Saddar in a gun convoy - the highest military honour at a funeral last accorded to humanitarian icon Abdul Sattar Edhi. The casket was draped in the national flag of Pakistan.

The flag of Vatican City was also hoisted at the cathedral Saturday morning, while the national flag of Pakistan remained at half mast.

A 19-gun salute was offered during the funeral proceedings, with contingents of all three Armed Forces of Pakistan present on the occasion.