Karachi, The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the Pakistan Army discussed collaborative efforts in humanitarian aid and disaster management during a significant meeting at the Corps headquarters in Karachi on Thursday. Chairman PRCS Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari and Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar focused on the ongoing efforts to support the recovery of communities affected by natural disasters in Sindh province.
According to Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar commended the swift response and efficient management of disaster relief operations under Chairman Laghari’s leadership, particularly during the monsoon floods of 2022 and the recent Biparjoy Cyclone. He praised Chairman Laghari for his exemplary work, referring to him as a “national hero,” and acknowledged the organization’s strategic partnerships with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and other Red Cross Red Crescent Movement partners.
Chairman Laghari emphasized PRCS’s commitment to humanitarian work, detailing the organization’s response to the flood in 2022, which involved emergency relief operations that benefited over 2.8 million individuals across 55 districts, with a focus on underserved areas. The PRCS collaborated with the government and the Armed Forces to distribute essential supplies, provide shelter and health care, install water treatment facilities, and offer cash assistance to families in need. Ongoing recovery initiatives in Sindh province aim to assist 435,000 people with additional support for agriculture, water and sanitation facilities, and hygiene promotion.
The Biparjoy Cyclone response by PRCS was discussed, with Chairman Laghari highlighting the early evacuation to safe sites, provision of non-food items to 28,000 individuals, and food packages for 10,000 cyclone-affected families in Thatta, Badin, and Sajawal districts.
The Corps Commander expressed admiration for PRCS’s humanitarian efforts, noting the organization’s role in addressing climate change, disaster risk reduction, and anticipatory actions. He affirmed the Army’s support for PRCS in all districts of Sindh province to mitigate the hardships faced by vulnerable communities during both peace time and emergencies.
To conclude the meeting, Chairman PRCS Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari and Karachi Corps Commander Lt Gen Babar Iftikhar exchanged mementos as a symbol of mutual appreciation and reaffirmation of their collaborative partnership.