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Inclusion in Action: PRCS Commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities

On December 3, 2025, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), with the support of the Norwegian Red Cross, commemorated the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) through two impactful events in D.I. Khan and Tank, highlighting the organization’s commitment to inclusion, dignity, and empowerment.

In D.I. Khan, over 50 persons with disabilities actively participated in a variety of sports and arts activities, including cricket, wheelchair races, and poetry recitals, creating opportunities to showcase talent, foster teamwork, and build confidence. To further support and empower attendees, PRCS distributed essential items such as wheelchairs, school uniforms, trophies, and medals.

Meanwhile, in Tank, an awareness-focused event brought together teachers, students, and eight specially invited persons with disabilities, alongside key stakeholders. Participants received support packages and commemorative shields, while stakeholders pledged ongoing assistance, including disability registration support and ensuring accessible services in the community.

Through these events, PRCS reinforced its dedication to promoting equal opportunities, accessibility, and empowerment for persons with disabilities, ensuring that all members of society are included and respected. The celebrations served as a powerful reminder that inclusion is not only a responsibility but a core principle of humanitarian work.

PRCS KP Conducts Orientation Session on Restoring Family Links (RFL)

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PRCS KP) organized a one-day orientation session on Restoring Family Links (RFL) under the supervision of the RFL Manager, PRCS KP. The session brought together newly appointed staff from the Norwegian Red Cross (NRC), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and core team members of PRCS.

The session aimed to enhance the understanding of participants—both new and existing staff—regarding the Restoring Family Links (RFL) services offered across Pakistan. The initiative focused on building the capacity of humanitarian workers to support the restoration of family connections, particularly for individuals and families separated due to conflict, disaster, migration, or other humanitarian crises.

Strengthening Humanitarian Response Through RFL

During the orientation, the RFL Manager briefed participants on the fundamental principles, operational mechanisms, and coordination structure of RFL activities implemented nationwide. The session covered key aspects such as tracing requests, restoring contact between separated family members, family reunification, and the importance of maintaining confidentiality and dignity in handling sensitive cases.

Participants also gained insights into how RFL operations align with the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement’s global humanitarian mandate—to protect family unity and uphold human dignity in times of crisis.

Interactive Learning and Shared Experiences

The session provided an engaging platform for participants to exchange experiences and discuss practical approaches to improving RFL service delivery. Through interactive discussions, case studies, and real-life examples, the attendees explored how technology, coordination, and community outreach can be effectively used to trace and reconnect separated families.

Commitment to Humanitarian Excellence

At the conclusion of the session, participants expressed their appreciation for PRCS KP’s initiative, describing the orientation as informative, insightful, and highly valuable for enhancing professional capacity. They emphasized that such learning opportunities not only strengthen staff understanding of RFL services but also contribute to improving the quality and reach of humanitarian assistance provided to those in need.

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains committed to upholding the humanitarian values of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement by ensuring that families torn apart by crises can once again be reunited, restoring hope and connection where it is needed most.

PRCS Distributes Humanitarian Aid Among 216 Deserving Families in Swat

Swat — Under the special directives of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi and the leadership of Chairperson Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Farzana Naek, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), the Turkish Red Crescent (TRC), and the Norwegian Red Cross, organized a large-scale humanitarian distribution drive to support 216 deserving families in Swat.

The relief packages distributed among the flood-affected families included essential food items, hygiene kits, household supplies such as buckets, mugs, and jerry cans, along with mosquito nets and bottled water — all aimed at ensuring basic living needs and disease prevention in the aftermath of the floods.

In addition to material assistance, 40 pregnant women received PKR 22,000 each, while 350 families were provided PKR 45,000 each as multi-purpose cash assistance. This initiative was designed to empower affected families to address their immediate needs with dignity and choice, in line with PRCS’s commitment to community-centered humanitarian response.

The distribution ceremony was graced by Chairperson PRCS Farzana Naek, Chairman PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch Farzand Ali Wazir, PRCS Secretary General Muhammad Ubaidullah Khan, IFRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan Fareed Abdul Qadeer, and TRC Head of Delegation Beiza Tanner, along with PRCS staff, volunteers, and partner representatives from the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson Farzana Naek reaffirmed PRCS’s unwavering dedication to serving the most vulnerable communities across Pakistan. She highlighted that this initiative underscores PRCS’s commitment to providing timely, dignified, and needs-based assistance through its provincial branches and international partners.

She extended her heartfelt gratitude to IFRC, Turkish Red Crescent, Norwegian Red Cross, and all humanitarian partners for their solidarity and continued support in advancing the mission of humanity and compassion.

Following the distribution activity, the delegation visited the PRCS Swat Branch and participated in a tree plantation drive under the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Program. The initiative symbolized the organization’s commitment to resilience, sustainability, and environmental restoration as an integral part of disaster recovery efforts.

About the Initiative

This distribution drive is part of PRCS’s broader humanitarian response program aimed at supporting disaster-affected families across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Through strategic collaboration with international partners, PRCS continues to expand its reach, strengthen community resilience, and uphold the principles of humanity, impartiality, and voluntary service.