ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to further enhance cooperation in humanitarian aid, capacity building, and disaster preparedness, Pakistan state news agency APP reported on Tuesday.
Chairman PRCS Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari while addressing the MoU signing ceremony lauded the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, highlighting the role of the Kingdom in supporting vulnerable communities in Pakistan through humanitarian initiatives.
He added that this was a ceremony that not only represented a sign of hope for thousands of vulnerable communities but also reflected the strong and enduring bond of friendship between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The PRCS chairman paid rich tribute to Saudi Arabia’s steadfast support, especially in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts, underscoring the projects initiated by KSrelief, including housing units, schools, and joint cooperation ventures.
He also reflected on the significance of October 8 for Pakistan, as it marks National Resilience Day, a solemn commemoration of the catastrophic earthquake that struck Pakistan in 2005.
“We remember our brothers and sisters who perished in that disaster and honor their memory by raising awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness and resilience,” he said acknowledging the efforts of the government, armed forces, and humanitarian organizations during both the 2005 earthquake and the monsoon floods of 2022.
Laghari praised the collaborative efforts of PRCS and international partners, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), in providing relief during these crises.
“On behalf of the PRCS and the people of Pakistan, I extend our deepest gratitude to the brotherly Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to KSrelief for spearheading these crucial initiatives,” Laghari said.
He expressed optimism that the MoU would facilitate ongoing efforts, including the proposed projects in disaster preparedness, shelter housing, cash and voucher assistance, solarized water filtration plants, and livelihood programmes.
