ISLAMABAD, The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), in a collaborative effort with the Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRC), organized a Blood Donation Drive at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad. The event, held in the beautifully decorated hall of the Embassy of Turkiye, drew a wide array of participants, including diplomats, representatives from PRCS, TRC, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), as well as enthusiastic volunteers. This drive also marked the commemoration of the 76th Foundation Day of PRCS.
According to Pakistan Red Crescent Society, the event witnessed significant participation, with a total of 36 individuals, including Turkish nationals and various dignitaries, donating blood. Among the notable donors were Chairman PRCS Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, His Excellency Dr. Mehmet Paçaci (Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan), Dr. Maen Khreasat, and the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Jordan in Pakistan. The blood collected is expected to benefit approximately 108 people through the provision of red blood cells, plasma, and FFPs.
Chairman PRCS, Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, spoke about the critical importance of blood donation in saving lives and the essential role of regular contributions to help patients in need. He also highlighted the significance of PRCS’s 76th Foundation Day, reflecting on the organization’s long-standing commitment to aiding communities and supporting vulnerable populations in Pakistan since 1947. Laghari encouraged widespread participation in blood donation, especially among the youth, to make a meaningful impact.
Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr. Mehmet Paçaci, expressed his gratitude to all participants for making the event a success. He underscored the ongoing commitment to health and well-being initiatives in Pakistan and beyond, while also congratulating PRCS on its 76th anniversary.
Ergest Limka, Head of Delegation of TRC, thanked the donors for their contributions, emphasizing the life-saving impact of blood donation. Piwi Ophoff, Head of Country Delegation, IFRC in Pakistan, lauded PRCS for its efforts in various humanitarian activities, including rescue and relief, blood donation, health and WASH activities, volunteerism, and climate action, assuring IFRC’s continued support for PRCS’s goals for a sustainable future.
The PRCS Regional Blood Donor Centre, known for its responsible provision of safe, high-quality blood, operates under a program that promotes voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation based on altruism. The Embassy of Turkiye also conveyed its appreciation for the participants’ contributions and reiterated its support for health and well-being initiatives in Pakistan and beyond.