ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari held a productive meeting with the Ambassador of the United States Donald Blome at the US Embassy in Islamabad.
The meeting, held on Wednesday, aimed to explore avenues for collaboration between PRCS and the United States in humanitarian assistance.
According to a PRCS spokesperson, the discussions included USAID Pakistan Senior Advisor James Fleming and PRCS Secretary General Muhammad Abaidullah Khan.
Chairman Laghari expressed gratitude for the support provided by the United States during times of disaster and emergencies.
He emphasized the pivotal role the United States has played in supporting PRCS’s relief efforts, particularly in response to earthquakes and floods that have impacted Pakistan in recent years.
Chairman Laghari briefed Ambassador Blome on previous discussions with US Deputy Chief of Mission Andrew J. Schofer, laying the groundwork for current collaboration talks. He provided an overview of PRCS’s key programs and ongoing initiatives aimed at aiding vulnerable communities across Pakistan.
Laghari expressed optimism about continued US commitment, particularly in the recovery phase following the devastating floods of Monsoon 2022.
He highlighted specific areas where US support could enhance PRCS’s humanitarian efforts, including healthcare, water sanitation and hygiene, women’s empowerment through livelihood assistance, and maternal and child health initiatives. He also emphasized the potential for collaboration in innovation, technology, climate change, research, and capacity-building projects.
The Chairman underscored the importance of increasing humanitarian program funding through partnerships with USAID, the Pakistani diaspora in the United States, and the American Red Cross. He acknowledged USAID’s support for PRCS’s ongoing Local Led Adaptation project in districts including Thatta, Badin, Sajjwal, and Karachi.
Ambassador Blome praised PRCS’s leadership under Chairman Laghari for its humanitarian efforts, particularly in aiding vulnerable populations during crises.
He commended PRCS’s exemplary service during floods and other emergencies, stressing the significance of collaboration with national and international humanitarian organizations to alleviate suffering in Pakistan’s communities. Blome emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between leadership for future cooperation.
During the meeting, Chairman Laghari presented a souvenir to Ambassador Blome, along with PRCS’s Crescent Magazine and a book commemorating the occasion, symbolizing their shared commitment to humanitarian endeavors. Laghari extended an invitation for Ambassador Blome to visit the PRCS National Headquarters in Islamabad.
