ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s President, Dr. Arif Alvi, emphasized the importance of equipping every individual with fundamental knowledge of first aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) to effectively respond to medical emergencies and save lives.
He was addressing the 12th All Pakistan Camp of the Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) held at its National Headquarters in Islamabad.
President Alvi emphasized that education on emergency aid, disaster management, first aid, and CPR could significantly enhance a person’s chances of survival in critical situations. He further stressed the need to propagate the principles of the emergency response plan, an integral part of girl guiding, at educational institutions such as schools and colleges.
The President highlighted how basic first aid skills could help stabilize patients or injured individuals during accidents, natural disasters, or medical emergencies like cardiac arrest until professional medical assistance arrives. He commended the Girl Guides for their positive contributions to society and encouraged them to raise awareness on issues such as breast cancer, the inclusion of persons with disabilities, environmental conservation, and physical and mental well-being.
President Alvi Encourages Financial Independence of Women
Additionally, President Alvi expressed satisfaction with the PGGA’s focus on character development among girls, emphasizing that the organization should strive to increase its current membership of 140,000 guides to expand its impact. He emphasized the pivotal role of educated and healthy women as strong anchors in families, contributing to the betterment of future generations and the progress of the nation.
Furthermore, President Alvi encouraged the Girl Guides to pursue financial empowerment, noting that the field of information technology had opened doors for online businesses, providing opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. He mentioned the absence of Begum Samina Alvi, the Chief Guide of PGGA, due to her knee-replacement surgery, and acknowledged her active role in championing women’s empowerment.
Maria Maud Sabri, the National Commissioner of the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, explained that the Girl Guide program placed importance on community development projects, enabling girls to learn about health, nutrition, environmental conservation, and economic empowerment through practical activities.
She also highlighted the organization’s historical roots, which began in 1947 at the behest of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, with his sister Fatima Jinnah serving as its patron. She mentioned that PGGA branches were active in seven regions across four provinces, as well as in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, and the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The event was attended by 265 girl guides from various regions, including the four provinces, Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, alongside senior guides.
