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PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Responds Swiftly After Attack on FC Headquarters Peshawar

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In the aftermath of the tragic attack on the FC Headquarters in Peshawar Saddar, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch immediately activated its emergency response mechanism. Following the directives of the Honorable Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, and PRCS KP Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir, the PRCS Ambulance Service reached the site without delay and took part in the rescue and relief operations.

Rapid Emergency Response

As soon as reports of the incident surfaced, PRCS KP mobilized its Ambulance Service, dispatching fully equipped emergency vehicles and trained responders to support the evacuation of injured individuals. The teams worked closely with local authorities, security forces, and medical facilities to ensure quick and safe transportation of victims requiring urgent care.

Leadership Oversight and Coordination

PRCS KP Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir personally supervised the emergency response efforts. Throughout the operation, he remained in contact with the field teams, ensuring effective coordination and assessing on-ground needs. His presence boosted the morale of responders working under high-pressure conditions.

Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir commended the dedication and professionalism of the ambulance crews and medical team members, acknowledging their commitment to humanitarian service during critical situations. He emphasized that the Pakistan Red Crescent Society stands ready at all times to support communities affected by emergencies, disasters, and crises.

Commitment to Humanitarian Service

PRCS KP continues to strengthen its emergency preparedness and response capacity across the province. Through trained staff, dedicated volunteers, and a network of ambulances and medical resources, the organization remains committed to saving lives and providing timely assistance during emergencies.

The PRCS KP leadership reiterated that humanitarian service is at the heart of all operational decisions, and the organization will continue to support affected families and communities with compassion and responsibility.

PRCS KP Conducts Interactive Session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support at IMSciences Peshawar

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On the invitation of the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar, representatives from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch (PRCS KP) — Ms. Samreen Afridi, Assistant Director – Community Engagement & Accountability (CEA) and Protection, Gender & Inclusion (PGI), and Mr. Zeeshan Asghar, Information Management & Reporting Officer — conducted an interactive awareness session with BS Psychology students on the theme “Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) during Emergencies and Disasters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”

Promoting Mental Well-being in Humanitarian Response

The session aimed to enhance students’ understanding of the critical role of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in humanitarian action, particularly during disasters and emergencies. It highlighted the psychological and emotional impacts that crises can have on individuals, families, and communities, and the importance of timely psychosocial interventions to promote recovery and resilience.

Ms. Samreen Afridi discussed how PRCS KP integrates MHPSS into its disaster response and recovery operations, ensuring that the psychological needs of affected populations are addressed alongside their physical well-being. She emphasized that mental health support is a fundamental part of humanitarian response and that inclusive and community-driven approaches are essential to restoring hope and stability after traumatic events.

Understanding PRCS’s Role in Community Resilience

Mr. Zeeshan Asghar briefed participants on the PRCS’s ongoing programs and strategies for strengthening community resilience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly through awareness campaigns, capacity-building workshops, and volunteer engagement. He elaborated on the importance of effective information management and coordination in responding to the mental health needs of vulnerable groups during crises such as floods, earthquakes, or conflict-related displacement.

Interactive Learning and Student Engagement

The session was designed to be interactive, allowing psychology students to engage with real-life examples, case studies, and field experiences shared by the PRCS team. Participants discussed the challenges of addressing mental health issues in disaster settings and explored how future professionals in psychology can contribute to humanitarian interventions through empathy, counseling, and psychosocial support.

Students expressed appreciation for the PRCS team’s visit, describing the session as inspiring, educational, and deeply relevant to their field of study. Many noted that it provided valuable insights into how psychological expertise can be applied in real-world humanitarian contexts.

Commitment to Mental Health and Humanitarian Excellence

The session concluded with an acknowledgment of the PRCS KP’s commitment to promoting mental well-being and psychosocial resilience as an integral part of disaster management and community support. Such collaborations between academic institutions and humanitarian organizations foster greater awareness, empathy, and preparedness among future professionals, ensuring a more resilient and compassionate society.

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

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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.

Empowering Youth for Inclusive Humanitarian Action — PRCS KP Organizes Orientation Session on CEA, PGI, and YABC in Swat

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The Youth & Volunteer (Y&V) Department of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, under the IFRC-DREF initiative, organized a comprehensive orientation session on Community Engagement and Accountability (CEA), Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI), and Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change (YABC) at the Government College of Management Sciences, Swat, on November 7, 2025.

The orientation brought together 44 enthusiastic volunteers from across the district, marking another step forward in PRCS’s ongoing efforts to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to serve their communities more effectively and inclusively.

Building Understanding of Inclusive Humanitarian Action

The sessions on CEA and PGI were facilitated by Ms. Sumreen Afridi, Assistant Director CEA & PGI, PRCS KP. She highlighted the importance of community-centered approaches in humanitarian work, where people affected by crises are treated not merely as beneficiaries but as active participants in decision-making and response efforts.

Ms. Afridi emphasized that accountability, transparency, and inclusion are the cornerstones of effective humanitarian service delivery. She further discussed gender-sensitive approaches and protection mechanisms designed to ensure that humanitarian actions respect and uphold the dignity and rights of all, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups.

Youth as Catalysts for Behavioral Change

The YABC (Youth as Agents of Behavioral Change) session was led by the Assistant Director Youth & Volunteer (Y&V), PRCS KP, who engaged participants through dynamic discussions and participatory activities. The session explored how youth can play a transformative role in promoting peace, empathy, and social cohesion within their communities.

Volunteers were encouraged to act as role models and community leaders, spreading messages of tolerance, mutual respect, and humanitarian values. The YABC approach empowers young people to influence positive behaviors among peers and inspire others to contribute toward creating a more compassionate society.

Interactive Learning and Volunteer Empowerment

Throughout the day, volunteers took part in interactive exercises, group reflections, and scenario-based simulations, enhancing their understanding of how PRCS integrates CEA, PGI, and YABC into its field operations. These practical sessions helped participants connect theoretical knowledge with real-world humanitarian challenges faced during emergencies, disasters, and community outreach activities.

Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to learn and share experiences, noting that such orientations deepen their understanding of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Fundamental Principles — humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality — which guide every action of PRCS.

Collaboration and Acknowledgment

The PRCS KP team extended heartfelt thanks to the PRCS Swat Branch for their active support and facilitation in organizing the session. Their assistance ensured the smooth conduct of the event and underscored the value of strong branch-level engagement in volunteer development.

This initiative reflects the PRCS KP’s firm commitment to empowering youth, promoting inclusive humanitarian practices, and strengthening community resilience through volunteer-led action and education.

By nurturing a generation of compassionate, skilled, and responsible volunteers, PRCS KP continues to uphold its mission of serving humanity and fostering positive behavioral change at the grassroots level.

PRCS KP Conducts First Aid Simulation Exercise on Mass Casualty Incident in Swat

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The Pakistan Red Crescent Society Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (PRCS KP), with the support of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and in collaboration with Rescue 1122, organized a First Aid Simulation Exercise on Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) at the PRCS Swat Branch.

The exercise was designed to provide hands-on experience to the Emergency Response Team (ERT) members and Rescue 1122 personnel, enhancing their preparedness and coordination during large-scale emergencies.

During the simulation, participants demonstrated practical first aid, triage management, and firefighting skills in a controlled, yet realistic environment. The scenario replicated a mass casualty situation, allowing responders to apply their training in assessing injuries, prioritizing patients, performing emergency bandaging, transporting casualties on stretchers, and managing on-site coordination effectively.

Throughout the activity, PRCS volunteers and Rescue 1122 staff worked side-by-side to ensure timely response and efficient teamwork—key components in real-life disaster or emergency operations. The exercise highlighted the importance of communication, mutual support, and rapid decision-making in saving lives when every second counts.

PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa extends sincere gratitude to the ICRC and Rescue 1122 Swat for their technical assistance and continuous support in strengthening the skills and capacity of volunteers and staff. This initiative is part of PRCS KP’s ongoing commitment to enhancing community resilience and ensuring a prompt humanitarian response in times of need.

PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Conducts Three-Day Workshop on Epidemic Control and Risk Communication in District Buner

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Under the DREF Monsoon 2025 Operation, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch, with the technical and financial support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), successfully organized a three-day capacity-building workshop on Epidemic Control for Volunteers (ECV) and Risk Communication & Community Engagement (RCCE) in District Buner.

The training aimed to strengthen the capacity of PRCS Mobile Health Unit (MHU) staff and volunteers to effectively prevent, identify, and respond to epidemic outbreaks and other public health emergencies at the community level.

Enhancing Local Preparedness and Response

Throughout the workshop, participants received comprehensive sessions on disease surveillance, outbreak management, hygiene promotion, infection prevention and control (IPC), and the role of volunteers during epidemics. Trainers highlighted the importance of early detection and community-based surveillance as the first line of defense against the spread of infectious diseases.

Practical demonstrations were also conducted to help participants understand standard first aid measures, sanitation practices, and safe water handling techniques essential in post-disaster environments. Volunteers engaged in group exercises and role-play activities designed to simulate real-life emergency situations, ensuring that they are well-prepared to act swiftly and efficiently during crises.

Focus on Risk Communication and Community Engagement

A significant portion of the training focused on Risk Communication and Community Engagement (RCCE) — a critical component in managing epidemics effectively. Participants were trained on how to disseminate accurate information, counter misinformation, and engage communities in adopting preventive health behaviors.

The sessions emphasized the role of trust, empathy, and transparency in community outreach, equipping volunteers with communication skills necessary to reach remote and vulnerable populations.

Empowering Volunteers for Sustainable Impact

Through this workshop, PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa reinforced its ongoing commitment to building resilient communities capable of withstanding public health threats. The training also encouraged peer learning and collaboration among PRCS teams, ensuring that knowledge gained will be replicated and shared across other districts as part of the Society’s broader epidemic preparedness strategy.

Chairman PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Farzand Ali Wazir appreciated the dedication of the MHU staff and volunteers, acknowledging their vital role as frontline responders who bring health services directly to those in need. He also expressed gratitude to IFRC for its continuous partnership and support in strengthening humanitarian and health response capacities in Pakistan.

Commitment to Humanitarian Excellence

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society remains steadfast in its mission to serve humanity with compassion and professionalism, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive timely, dignified, and effective assistance. Through ongoing training, awareness, and collaboration with international partners, PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and community well-being across the province.

PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Promotes Climate Awareness Through Wall Chalking Initiative in Peshawar

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Peshawar — The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the support of the German Red Cross (GRC) and BMZ under the Climate Adaptation through Community Resilience Approach (CACRA) Project, organized a Wall Chalking Activity along Main Palosai Road, Peshawar, to raise awareness on climate change and environmental protection.

The initiative aimed to inspire public engagement and promote sustainable environmental practices through creative expression. Young PRCS volunteers participated enthusiastically, transforming city walls into colorful canvases filled with powerful messages advocating climate action, conservation, and community responsibility.

Through their artwork and messages, the volunteers highlighted the importance of collective action against climate change, emphasizing that small, community-based efforts can lead to meaningful global impact. The activity not only beautified the cityscape but also served as a powerful visual reminder of the urgent need for environmental stewardship.

Speaking about the initiative, PRCS KP officials noted that such awareness campaigns foster a sense of unity, creativity, and responsibility among youth, aligning with PRCS’s broader mission to promote resilience and sustainable living within communities.

About the CACRA Project

The CACRA Project, implemented by PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with support from the German Red Cross and BMZ, focuses on enhancing community resilience to climate change by integrating awareness, capacity-building, and local adaptation measures. Through activities like wall chalking, the project continues to educate and mobilize communities toward building a sustainable and climate-resilient future.

PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Presents Briefing on Ongoing Humanitarian Operations in Swat

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Swat — The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch organized a comprehensive briefing session at the Swat Serena Hotel, where Chairman PRCS KP Farzand Ali Wazir presented a detailed overview of the ongoing relief operations, aid distribution, and field activities being carried out across multiple districts to support flood-affected communities.

The session was graced by PRCS Chairperson Farzana Naek, PRCS KP Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir, PRCS Secretary General Muhammad Ubaidullah Khan, IFRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan Fareed Abdul Qadeer, and Turkish Red Crescent (TRC) Head of Delegation Beiza Tanner, along with PRCS officials, staff members, and partner representatives.

During the briefing, Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir outlined the strategic priorities, achievements, and ongoing challenges faced in the province’s humanitarian response. He highlighted PRCS KP’s continued efforts to deliver timely, effective, and needs-based assistance through the organization’s district branches, volunteers, and partner support mechanisms.

In recognition of leadership and partnership, Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir presented commemorative shields to Chairperson Farzana Naek, IFRC Head Fareed Abdul Qadeer, TRC Head Beiza Tanner, and Secretary General Muhammad Ubaidullah Khan. The gesture symbolized PRCS KP’s appreciation for their dedication, collaboration, and commitment to advancing humanitarian service across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and beyond.

The ceremony underscored PRCS’s unwavering mission to serve humanity with compassion, integrity, and resilience. It also reaffirmed the organization’s resolve to strengthen coordination, transparency, and impact in all ongoing and future humanitarian operations.

About PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Humanitarian Response

The PRCS KP Branch continues to lead comprehensive relief and recovery efforts across flood-affected districts. With the support of IFRC, Turkish Red Crescent, and other international partners, PRCS KP remains committed to empowering communities, enhancing resilience, and promoting sustainable recovery throughout the province.

PRCS Dir Lower Distributes WASH and Hygiene Kits to Flood-Affected Families

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Timergara, Dir Lower — Continuing its mission to serve humanity and provide relief to disaster-affected communities, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, through its Dir Lower Branch, organized a comprehensive distribution of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) kits among vulnerable families impacted by the 2025 floods.

This humanitarian initiative aimed to improve access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene for flood-affected households, reducing the risk of disease outbreaks and promoting community health recovery in the aftermath of the disaster.

Each distributed kit included essential hygiene and sanitation materials, enabling families to maintain cleanliness and safeguard their well-being as they rebuild their lives.

The distribution activity received notable support and engagement from the local youth community. Male and female students from the Government Postgraduate Degree College Timergara visited the site and volunteered to assist PRCS staff and beneficiaries during the process. Their active participation demonstrated the spirit of volunteerism and compassion that lies at the heart of PRCS’s humanitarian work.

PRCS officials expressed their gratitude to all volunteers and community members who contributed to the successful implementation of the initiative. They reaffirmed PRCS’s unwavering commitment to providing timely relief, humanitarian aid, and community health support across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly in areas most affected by natural disasters.

About the Initiative

The WASH and hygiene distribution was part of PRCS’s broader flood response program, designed to address immediate humanitarian needs while promoting long-term community resilience. Supported by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), this intervention underscores PRCS’s continued dedication to serving vulnerable populations with neutrality, humanity, and voluntary service.

PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Organizes Two-Day Free Medical Camp in District Bannu on the Directives of Governor Faisal Karim Kundi

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Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — Under the special directives of Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized a two-day free medical camp in District Bannu, aimed at providing essential healthcare services to underprivileged and flood-affected communities.

The camp was formally inaugurated by Chairman PRCS Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Farzand Ali Wazir, who cut the ribbon to officially mark its opening. Upon his arrival, the Chairman was warmly received by PRCS staff and volunteers, who presented him with a bouquet as a gesture of appreciation and respect.

The event witnessed a strong turnout and was attended by District Supervisor Dr. Umar Wazir, trained PRCS medical staff, volunteers, scholars, students, members of the Tablighi Jamaat, and a large number of local citizens.

Throughout the two-day camp, PRCS teams provided free first aid services, blood pressure and blood sugar testing, fever diagnosis, and treatment for common ailments, along with the free distribution of essential medicines to patients. The initiative was aimed at ensuring accessible healthcare for those living in remote or disaster-affected areas of Bannu District.

Chairman Farzand Ali Wazir expressed his appreciation for the dedicated efforts of PRCS medical teams and volunteers, emphasizing that such humanitarian initiatives reflect PRCS’s unwavering commitment to the Fundamental Principles of the Red Crescent Movement — humanity, impartiality, and voluntary service.

He further reaffirmed PRCS KP’s resolve to continue organizing free medical camps, relief drives, and community health programs across the province in line with the vision of Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to enhance public welfare and strengthen community resilience.

Commitment to Community Health and Humanitarian Service

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Branch remains at the forefront of humanitarian action in the region, striving to improve public health access, promote community well-being, and provide emergency medical assistance during crises. Through its ongoing health, disaster response, and social welfare programs, PRCS KP continues to serve the people of Pakistan with dedication, compassion, and neutrality.