January-March, 2017 News resA quarterlyc magazinee of Pakistann Redt Crescent REAL
LIVING is
living
for
others

By HUMERA KARIM "What
prompted
me
to
join
the
PRC
was
that
one
day
ack in 2009 when a strong quake befell his village Khanozai – the headquarters of Karezat Tehsil of Pishin one
of
my
friends
was
shot
The
Pakistan
Red
Crescent
handed
the
first
consignment
of
10,000
blankets
Bdistrict, Balochistan – Muhammad Ibrahim Khan stood at
and
he
bled
to
death
aghast, bewildered and motionless, with the debris of razed and
5,000
jackets
and
woollies
each
over
to
the
Turkish
Red
Cross
(TRC)
buildings all around. before
my
eyes,
as
I
had
no
After slowly adjusting himself to the terrible situation he idea
of
first
aid.
After
for
distribution
to
the
Syrian
brethren
afflicted
by
the
civil
war
that

and the area people were in, his eyes wandered around in disbelief and fastened onto a group of people donning red shirts one
labourious
entered
the
seventh
year
in
March
this
year emblazoned with the name of Pakistan Red Crescent. year,
I
was
finally
He saw these red shirts tending to the injured and shifting able
to
provide
any
them and the badly burnt bodies to the wailing ambulances on stretchers. kind
of
first
aid." Standing
shoulder
to
shoulder At that time, it occurred to Ibrahim as though he was just a bystander having no link with the situation around. I also saw a person crying with pain. A bullet had pierced his Then a sudden rush of emotions pushed him into the activity heart. I tried to give him rst aid but again I failed to execute and he saw him working shoulder to shoulder with the red what I had long practiced. with
Syrian
brethren shirts. I discussed my condition with Dr. Imran who provided me Two months later, he came to Quetta and attended the with counselling, enabling me to break free from fear. he Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) handed the rst consignment "Youth and Volunteer Program" of the Pakistan Red Crescent On June 15, 2013 a bus carrying students from Bahadur Khan President
Mamnoon
Hussain
of relief goods over to the Turkish Ambassador S. Babür Girgin Society, Balochistan. The same year he lost his two best friends Women University was attacked with an explosive device. for onward distribution to the Syrian refugees through the to terrorism. There were lots of bodies and injured girls. says
dispatch
of
relief
goods
T Talking to the writer, Ibrahim said: "What prompted me to Turkish Red Crescent. I found a girl that was critically burnt. I covered her with The relief items included 10,000 blankets, 5,000 jackets and 5,000 join the PRC was that one day one of my friends was shot at and cloth and washed her face and hands to soothe her burnt tissues. shows
Pakistan
and
Turkey
shirts. The handover ceremony took place at the President House, he bled to death before my eyes, as I had no idea of rst aid. The When I came out holding the girl rmly in my hands, I was stand
with
their
Syrian
Islamabad. least I could do was to scream and to beg for help. This sad really scared of her male family members keeping in view the Addressing the handover ceremony, President Mamnoon Hussain incident proved to be a blessing in disguise, as I started tribal norms but to my surprise her father came up to me and brethren
in
hour
of
need said the PRC's humanitarian efforts will further cement Pakistan's attending the rst-aid trainings regularly. stroked my head with affection. relations with Turkey and Syria and others should also follow its After one laborious year, I was nally able to provide any I have so far provided rst aid in almost 30 terrorist attacks Turkish
Ambassador
S.
Babür
initiatives. kind of rst aid. and around 50 killings. “This gesture shows that the PRC stands with vulnerable and In 2011, when two consecutive suicide bomb attacks Working as a volunteer has become a passion of my life. My Girgin
thanks
the
President
exposed people not only in Pakistan, but also with those living beyond occurred at the residence of DIG Frontier Corps, I along with family and friends never supported my passion rather I was and
PRC
Chairman
for
the
borders,” he added. the Red Crescent team reached the spot within no time. shown the darker side of the picture all the way. But I never PRC Chairman Dr. Saeed Elahi briefed the president about Dr. Imran Khan (Provincial Program Ofcer, PRC cared a g. support transportation of relief goods for the Syrian refugees and coordination Balochistan) and other volunteers were providing rst aid to I am doing it all for the sake of God and His subjects. Many a with the TRC in this regard. He informed the president that the PRC will the injured but the pieces of burnt human esh scattered all over time I heard people calling us "Angels in Red Jackets". Dr.
Saeed
Elahi
says
the
PRC
also send another consignment of football kits for the Syrian refugees. the place scared me. The trauma was so intense that I was The Red Crescent has given me so much I can never repay. Turkish Ambasador S. Babür Girgin on the occasion thanked the rooted to the ground. It's my message to all to serve the humanity without will
also
send
another
President of Pakistan and PRC Chairman for the support. In order to overcome fear, I started visiting hospitals to get discriminating between caste, creed, race, religion or consignment
of
football
kits
PRC Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan, Managing an insight, rid myself of fear and strengthen my nerves. ethnicity." Body Members Dr. Jamal Nasir, Prof. Dr. Hussain Mubbashar Malik, Two months later, there was again a terrorist attack. I The PRC awarded an honorary gold medal to Ibrahim Khan for
the
Syrian
refugees Haider Rizvi, PRC ofcers and staff, TRC Head of Delegation Izzet reached the spot and found a policeman lying on the ground; I for his extraordinary performance as the Emergency Response Curaci and others were also present on the occasion. n checked his pulse and found him dead. Team (ETR) member. n REAL
LIVING is
living
for
others

By HUMERA KARIM "What
prompted
me
to
join
the
PRC
was
that
one
day
ack in 2009 when a strong quake befell his village Khanozai – the headquarters of Karezat Tehsil of Pishin one
of
my
friends
was
shot
The
Pakistan
Red
Crescent
handed
the
first
consignment
of
10,000
blankets
Bdistrict, Balochistan – Muhammad Ibrahim Khan stood at
and
he
bled
to
death
aghast, bewildered and motionless, with the debris of razed and
5,000
jackets
and
woollies
each
over
to
the
Turkish
Red
Cross
(TRC)
buildings all around. before
my
eyes,
as
I
had
no
After slowly adjusting himself to the terrible situation he idea
of
first
aid.
After
for
distribution
to
the
Syrian
brethren
afflicted
by
the
civil
war
that

and the area people were in, his eyes wandered around in disbelief and fastened onto a group of people donning red shirts one
labourious
entered
the
seventh
year
in
March
this
year emblazoned with the name of Pakistan Red Crescent. year,
I
was
finally
He saw these red shirts tending to the injured and shifting able
to
provide
any
them and the badly burnt bodies to the wailing ambulances on stretchers. kind
of
first
aid." Standing
shoulder
to
shoulder At that time, it occurred to Ibrahim as though he was just a bystander having no link with the situation around. I also saw a person crying with pain. A bullet had pierced his Then a sudden rush of emotions pushed him into the activity heart. I tried to give him rst aid but again I failed to execute and he saw him working shoulder to shoulder with the red what I had long practiced. with
Syrian
brethren shirts. I discussed my condition with Dr. Imran who provided me Two months later, he came to Quetta and attended the with counselling, enabling me to break free from fear. he Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) handed the rst consignment "Youth and Volunteer Program" of the Pakistan Red Crescent On June 15, 2013 a bus carrying students from Bahadur Khan President
Mamnoon
Hussain
of relief goods over to the Turkish Ambassador S. Babür Girgin Society, Balochistan. The same year he lost his two best friends Women University was attacked with an explosive device. for onward distribution to the Syrian refugees through the to terrorism. There were lots of bodies and injured girls. says
dispatch
of
relief
goods
T Talking to the writer, Ibrahim said: "What prompted me to Turkish Red Crescent. I found a girl that was critically burnt. I covered her with The relief items included 10,000 blankets, 5,000 jackets and 5,000 join the PRC was that one day one of my friends was shot at and cloth and washed her face and hands to soothe her burnt tissues. shows
Pakistan
and
Turkey
shirts. The handover ceremony took place at the President House, he bled to death before my eyes, as I had no idea of rst aid. The When I came out holding the girl rmly in my hands, I was stand
with
their
Syrian
Islamabad. least I could do was to scream and to beg for help. This sad really scared of her male family members keeping in view the Addressing the handover ceremony, President Mamnoon Hussain incident proved to be a blessing in disguise, as I started tribal norms but to my surprise her father came up to me and brethren
in
hour
of
need said the PRC's humanitarian efforts will further cement Pakistan's attending the rst-aid trainings regularly. stroked my head with affection. relations with Turkey and Syria and others should also follow its After one laborious year, I was nally able to provide any I have so far provided rst aid in almost 30 terrorist attacks Turkish
Ambassador
S.
Babür
initiatives. kind of rst aid. and around 50 killings. “This gesture shows that the PRC stands with vulnerable and In 2011, when two consecutive suicide bomb attacks Working as a volunteer has become a passion of my life. My Girgin
thanks
the
President
exposed people not only in Pakistan, but also with those living beyond occurred at the residence of DIG Frontier Corps, I along with family and friends never supported my passion rather I was and
PRC
Chairman
for
the
borders,” he added. the Red Crescent team reached the spot within no time. shown the darker side of the picture all the way. But I never PRC Chairman Dr. Saeed Elahi briefed the president about Dr. Imran Khan (Provincial Program Ofcer, PRC cared a g. support transportation of relief goods for the Syrian refugees and coordination Balochistan) and other volunteers were providing rst aid to I am doing it all for the sake of God and His subjects. Many a with the TRC in this regard. He informed the president that the PRC will the injured but the pieces of burnt human esh scattered all over time I heard people calling us "Angels in Red Jackets". Dr.
Saeed
Elahi
says
the
PRC
also send another consignment of football kits for the Syrian refugees. the place scared me. The trauma was so intense that I was The Red Crescent has given me so much I can never repay. Turkish Ambasador S. Babür Girgin on the occasion thanked the rooted to the ground. It's my message to all to serve the humanity without will
also
send
another
President of Pakistan and PRC Chairman for the support. In order to overcome fear, I started visiting hospitals to get discriminating between caste, creed, race, religion or consignment
of
football
kits
PRC Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan, Managing an insight, rid myself of fear and strengthen my nerves. ethnicity." Body Members Dr. Jamal Nasir, Prof. Dr. Hussain Mubbashar Malik, Two months later, there was again a terrorist attack. I The PRC awarded an honorary gold medal to Ibrahim Khan for
the
Syrian
refugees Haider Rizvi, PRC ofcers and staff, TRC Head of Delegation Izzet reached the spot and found a policeman lying on the ground; I for his extraordinary performance as the Emergency Response Curaci and others were also present on the occasion. n checked his pulse and found him dead. Team (ETR) member. n Snowfall
&
Landslides It's
a
close
shave:
survivor

Sharing
his
horrible
experience
with
the
rescuers,
Muhammad
Hussain,
a
young
man,
said
he
was
asleep
with
the
family
when
in
the
dead
of
night
he
heard
a
roaring
noise
and
then
a
massive
wall
of
mud,
icy
water,
rocks
and
stones
hit
the
house. “I
was
in
the
back
room.
The
tide
was
so
powerful,
pressing
me
against
the
wall.
It
was
steadily
rising
in
height.
Then
the
back
door
came
off
its
hinges
from
the
force
of
the
tide
and
I
was
swept
away. As
the
tide
passed
over
a
narrow
gorge,
I
fell
into
a
small
space
barely
one
hundred
meters
away
from
where
my
home
once
was. The
space
underneath
allowed
me
to
breathe.
Finally,
after
what
must
have
felt
like
eternity
I
was
dug
out
and
airlifted
to
a
hospital.
A
horrible
death
was
staring
me
in
the
face;
it
was
a
close
brush.
I
thank
my
Lord
for
blessing
me
with
a
new
life.”

use. In this regard, a relief distribution ceremony was held here. Speaking on the occasion, Member Gilgit-Baltistan Council Arman Shah said the Gilgit-Baltistan government was highly indebted to the PRC which left no stone unturned to provide relief and other humanitarian services to vulnerable communities in the region. The PRC GB Secretary Noorul Ain said relief was provided to 29 families of Oshkandas when oods hit the area in 2015 and 2016. A cash grant of Rs22,000 was provided to each family. SPEEDY
RELIEF:
The
PRC
Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa
Branch
distributes
CGI
sheets,
tarpaulins,
mosquito
nets,
blankets,
hygiene
kits
and
“The PRC has given us a lot during these difcult other
necessary
items
among
the
residents
of
Shershal
affected
by
an
avalanche. circumstances but we have nothing to give in return. You have won the hearts of my community,” said Sardar Khan, leader of the beneciaries. “I can't imagine how we have been living in tents for almost Beyond
the
call
of
duty two years braving the elements, but the Pakistan Red Crescent is the only organization that felt our pain and By
Kamran
Yousafzai
and
Safdar
Ali
Safdar While the inhabitants stood rooted to the ground from fear, provided us with the much-needed assistance to live a decent, this wall of icy water, mud, stones and big rocks descended on comfortable life,” said Liaquat Ali, another beneciary. he residents of Shershal – a village in Karimabad Town of the town like lightning, razing almost all the houses which The following table gives an insight into the PRC's efforts n Chitral district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa came in its way. for rehabilitation of the affected people. province – will never forget the Feb 5 dreadful night Twenty-two houses were affected out of which six were LENDING
A
HELPING
HAND:
The
PRC
Gilgit-Baltistan
Branch
T distributes
CGI
sheets,
sleeping
bags,
oil
and
wooden
stoves,
when a loud rumble stirred them in their beds in snug little reduced to rubble. Twenty-seven people, including women and houses covered all around by a thick blanket of three to four feet children, were buried under the avalanche. water
cans
and
other
items
among
31
disaster-hit
families
of
List
of
items
distributed
in
Shershal of snow. Thirteen people were taken out alive while 14 people lost Oshkandas
village. S# Item Name Per Family No. of Distributed their life, including six children and six women. They had very little time left to shift to safety, as a few families A list of 18 completely damaged houses was prepared. On hundred meters away from their modestly built houses, a huge Roads covered in snow and mud and almost zero visibility 1 CGI Sheet s 14 18 252 February 13, the PRC Chitral Branch distributed CGI sheets and wall of snow, mud and big rocks had broken off from a gigantic due to the heavily overcast skies blocked all ground and aerial 2 Tarpaulins 2 18 36 glacier triggered by heavy rains and began to race towards the rescue efforts, but despite all these hurdles rescue teams non-food items (NFIs) among the 18 affected families. 3 Jerry cans 1 18 36 town like a roaring monster. managed to reach the village to dig out the dead and survivors. The beneciaries were gathered at a single point for 4 Mosquito nets 2 18 36 A primal feeling of the worst had forced 17 to 18 families to The injured survivors suffering from hypothermia were distribution. Tehsildar Amjad Farid represented the district 5 Blankets 8 18 126 move to safer locations a few days back, but a few dozen airlifted to hospitals soon after improvement in visibility. administration. 6 Hygiene kits 1 18 18 residents pushed their luck too far, believing that nothing bad On February 11, a PRC team visited Shershal Village to The PRC Gilgit-Baltistan Branch also rushed to Oshkandas 7 Kitchen sets 1 18 18 would happen to them. assess damage to life and property. village in Gilgit and provided transitional shelter packages to 8 Wood burning stoves 1 18 18 This deliberate irtation with death from a false sense of The BDRT, DDRT, three general volunteers and district 31affected families. with pipe security caused them to pay a huge price in terms of loss of secretary participated in the assessment led by DDMO Chitral The shelter packages included CGI sheets, sleeping bags, 09 Shelter tool kits 1 18 18 precious human lives and cattle and damage to property. Ghafoor Ahmad. edible oil, wooden stoves, water cans and other items of domestic 10 Lanterns 1 18 18 Snowfall
&
Landslides It's
a
close
shave:
survivor

Sharing
his
horrible
experience
with
the
rescuers,
Muhammad
Hussain,
a
young
man,
said
he
was
asleep
with
the
family
when
in
the
dead
of
night
he
heard
a
roaring
noise
and
then
a
massive
wall
of
mud,
icy
water,
rocks
and
stones
hit
the
house. “I
was
in
the
back
room.
The
tide
was
so
powerful,
pressing
me
against
the
wall.
It
was
steadily
rising
in
height.
Then
the
back
door
came
off
its
hinges
from
the
force
of
the
tide
and
I
was
swept
away. As
the
tide
passed
over
a
narrow
gorge,
I
fell
into
a
small
space
barely
one
hundred
meters
away
from
where
my
home
once
was. The
space
underneath
allowed
me
to
breathe.
Finally,
after
what
must
have
felt
like
eternity
I
was
dug
out
and
airlifted
to
a
hospital.
A
horrible
death
was
staring
me
in
the
face;
it
was
a
close
brush.
I
thank
my
Lord
for
blessing
me
with
a
new
life.”

use. In this regard, a relief distribution ceremony was held here. Speaking on the occasion, Member Gilgit-Baltistan Council Arman Shah said the Gilgit-Baltistan government was highly indebted to the PRC which left no stone unturned to provide relief and other humanitarian services to vulnerable communities in the region. The PRC GB Secretary Noorul Ain said relief was provided to 29 families of Oshkandas when oods hit the area in 2015 and 2016. A cash grant of Rs22,000 was provided to each family. SPEEDY
RELIEF:
The
PRC
Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa
Branch
distributes
CGI
sheets,
tarpaulins,
mosquito
nets,
blankets,
hygiene
kits
and
“The PRC has given us a lot during these difcult other
necessary
items
among
the
residents
of
Shershal
affected
by
an
avalanche. circumstances but we have nothing to give in return. You have won the hearts of my community,” said Sardar Khan, leader of the beneciaries. “I can't imagine how we have been living in tents for almost Beyond
the
call
of
duty two years braving the elements, but the Pakistan Red Crescent is the only organization that felt our pain and By
Kamran
Yousafzai
and
Safdar
Ali
Safdar While the inhabitants stood rooted to the ground from fear, provided us with the much-needed assistance to live a decent, this wall of icy water, mud, stones and big rocks descended on comfortable life,” said Liaquat Ali, another beneciary. he residents of Shershal – a village in Karimabad Town of the town like lightning, razing almost all the houses which The following table gives an insight into the PRC's efforts n Chitral district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa came in its way. for rehabilitation of the affected people. province – will never forget the Feb 5 dreadful night Twenty-two houses were affected out of which six were LENDING
A
HELPING
HAND:
The
PRC
Gilgit-Baltistan
Branch
T distributes
CGI
sheets,
sleeping
bags,
oil
and
wooden
stoves,
when a loud rumble stirred them in their beds in snug little reduced to rubble. Twenty-seven people, including women and houses covered all around by a thick blanket of three to four feet children, were buried under the avalanche. water
cans
and
other
items
among
31
disaster-hit
families
of
List
of
items
distributed
in
Shershal of snow. Thirteen people were taken out alive while 14 people lost Oshkandas
village. S# Item Name Per Family No. of Distributed their life, including six children and six women. They had very little time left to shift to safety, as a few families A list of 18 completely damaged houses was prepared. On hundred meters away from their modestly built houses, a huge Roads covered in snow and mud and almost zero visibility 1 CGI Sheet s 14 18 252 February 13, the PRC Chitral Branch distributed CGI sheets and wall of snow, mud and big rocks had broken off from a gigantic due to the heavily overcast skies blocked all ground and aerial 2 Tarpaulins 2 18 36 glacier triggered by heavy rains and began to race towards the rescue efforts, but despite all these hurdles rescue teams non-food items (NFIs) among the 18 affected families. 3 Jerry cans 1 18 36 town like a roaring monster. managed to reach the village to dig out the dead and survivors. The beneciaries were gathered at a single point for 4 Mosquito nets 2 18 36 A primal feeling of the worst had forced 17 to 18 families to The injured survivors suffering from hypothermia were distribution. Tehsildar Amjad Farid represented the district 5 Blankets 8 18 126 move to safer locations a few days back, but a few dozen airlifted to hospitals soon after improvement in visibility. administration. 6 Hygiene kits 1 18 18 residents pushed their luck too far, believing that nothing bad On February 11, a PRC team visited Shershal Village to The PRC Gilgit-Baltistan Branch also rushed to Oshkandas 7 Kitchen sets 1 18 18 would happen to them. assess damage to life and property. village in Gilgit and provided transitional shelter packages to 8 Wood burning stoves 1 18 18 This deliberate irtation with death from a false sense of The BDRT, DDRT, three general volunteers and district 31affected families. with pipe security caused them to pay a huge price in terms of loss of secretary participated in the assessment led by DDMO Chitral The shelter packages included CGI sheets, sleeping bags, 09 Shelter tool kits 1 18 18 precious human lives and cattle and damage to property. Ghafoor Ahmad. edible oil, wooden stoves, water cans and other items of domestic 10 Lanterns 1 18 18 items (NFIs) among 1,000 affected families in Kharan district with the coordination of It
never
rains,
but
it
pours! PDMA and District Commissioner Kharan. Moreover, keeping in view the severe cold, food items (biscuits, juice, and water) and NFIs were distributed among 1,000 people in Mastung and Lakpass. The branch also conducted a heli operation with the support of PDMA and provincial government and dropped 5,000 sleeping bags Like
the
in Zhob, Harnai, Kalat, Khuzdar and Ziarat northwestern
districts. The situation was very disturbing in Pishin, Ziarat and Kalat districts. parts
of
the
The branch distributed 1,000 sleeping bags, country,
the
1,000 blankets, 1,000 packs of biscuit, 1,000 packs of juice and 1,000 bottles of water to southwestern
1,000 people in Mastung and Lakpass. part
‒
In Kharan two persons were killed and 35, 10, 07, 30 and 05 injured in Kharan, Mastung, Balochistan
‒
Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat respectively. also
received
In Kharan 200 and 800, in Mastung 50 and 200, in Kalat 30 and 220, in Pishin 60 and 690, torrential
rains
and in Ziarat 10 and 240 houses were fully and and
3-4
foot
partially damaged respectively. The branch also rescued people stranded in snowfall
in
rain-hit slum areas near Shahbaz Town, Quetta January
this
and handed them essential items including blankets and sleeping bags. year.
As
a
Under the supervision of Secretary PRC result,
mercury
Balochistan Branch Dr. Imran Khan, a team reached the slums and shifted around 12 plummeted
families to safer locations. below
freezing
DAMAGE
ASSESSMENT:
The
PRC
Balochistan
team
visits
different
families
in
Ziarat
to
make
an
Deputy Director Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Naveed Ahmed LOGISTIC
SUPPORT:
The
Pakistan
Army
Aviation
Wing
carries
relief
items
donated
assessment
of
their
immediate
needs
after
the
January
snowfall
broke
all
the
previous
records,
by
the
PRC
Balochistan
and
Provincial
Disaster
Management
Authority
for
the
point
in
many
bringing
life
to
a
virtual
standstill. Sheikh and Assistant Commissioner Quetta n stranded
people
of
Kalat
and
Mastung. areas.
Flood
Munir were also present on the occasion. protection
Crescent News huge to tackle. walls,
electric
Like the northwestern parts of the country, nowfall in the country's high-altitude areas the southwestern part – Balochistan – also polls
and
major
has always been an attraction for people. received torrential rains and 3-4 foot snowfall in roads
were
SAs the winter begins to dump tons and tons January (17-22) this year. As a result, mercury of snow, tourists from all parts of the country plummeted below the freezing point in many damaged
at
make a beeline for these areas. areas. A feeling of euphoria hangs in the air, with the In several areas, infrastructure was seriously various
roads chock-a-block with trafc and crowds of damaged and roofs and buildings came crashing locations
while
giggling revelers enjoying themselves to their down. Major link roads also got badly damaged, heart's content by tossing snowballs at each leaving scores of people stranded. in
some
areas
other. Sixty-thousand families were affected while roofs
came
This is the bright side of the picture, but the 13 people were killed and 650 injured in different heavily negative and painful side of this picture is areas. crashing
down,
that snowfall and rain make the locals' lives a Flood protection walls, electric polls and injuring
many
misery until it thaws and the ice and snow melt roads were damaged at various locations in the slowly into water that cascades down the hill district according to a report prepared by the people.
In
into ravines and streams and nally into the control room established at the Chief Secretary's Kharan
district
rivers. ofce. The previous records pale into Rain and snowfall cut the people of these insignicance compared with rain and snowfall two
persons
areas off from the rest of the country. received this year. were
killed
and
As a result, supplies by road come to a In order to assess the situation for grinding halt, causing shortage of food, fuel (gas, distribution of relief, the Pakistan Red Crescent, many
injured
petrol, LPG) and dozens of items of daily use. Balochistan Branch, deployed ve teams in seriously. Shortage of edibles and other necessary items Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat Mastung and Kharan exposes the locals to a new wave of price hike. districts on Jan 15. Sometimes, strong winds blow tree limbs As per information provided by the district into power lines, causing them to spark and government and PDMA Balochistan the above- eventually snap. So, in the given circumstances mentioned districts were the worst affected. CAREGIVERS
AT
THEIR
BEST:
A
PRC
volunteer
tends
to
an
ailing
person
at
a
medical
camp
set
up
for
the
people
affected
by
rains
and
the difculties of the people of these areas are too The branch distributed food and non-food snowfall. items (NFIs) among 1,000 affected families in Kharan district with the coordination of It
never
rains,
but
it
pours! PDMA and District Commissioner Kharan. Moreover, keeping in view the severe cold, food items (biscuits, juice, and water) and NFIs were distributed among 1,000 people in Mastung and Lakpass. The branch also conducted a heli operation with the support of PDMA and provincial government and dropped 5,000 sleeping bags Like
the
in Zhob, Harnai, Kalat, Khuzdar and Ziarat northwestern
districts. The situation was very disturbing in Pishin, Ziarat and Kalat districts. parts
of
the
The branch distributed 1,000 sleeping bags, country,
the
1,000 blankets, 1,000 packs of biscuit, 1,000 packs of juice and 1,000 bottles of water to southwestern
1,000 people in Mastung and Lakpass. part
‒
In Kharan two persons were killed and 35, 10, 07, 30 and 05 injured in Kharan, Mastung, Balochistan
‒
Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat respectively. also
received
In Kharan 200 and 800, in Mastung 50 and 200, in Kalat 30 and 220, in Pishin 60 and 690, torrential
rains
and in Ziarat 10 and 240 houses were fully and and
3-4
foot
partially damaged respectively. The branch also rescued people stranded in snowfall
in
rain-hit slum areas near Shahbaz Town, Quetta January
this
and handed them essential items including blankets and sleeping bags. year.
As
a
Under the supervision of Secretary PRC result,
mercury
Balochistan Branch Dr. Imran Khan, a team reached the slums and shifted around 12 plummeted
families to safer locations. below
freezing
DAMAGE
ASSESSMENT:
The
PRC
Balochistan
team
visits
different
families
in
Ziarat
to
make
an
Deputy Director Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Naveed Ahmed LOGISTIC
SUPPORT:
The
Pakistan
Army
Aviation
Wing
carries
relief
items
donated
assessment
of
their
immediate
needs
after
the
January
snowfall
broke
all
the
previous
records,
by
the
PRC
Balochistan
and
Provincial
Disaster
Management
Authority
for
the
point
in
many
bringing
life
to
a
virtual
standstill. Sheikh and Assistant Commissioner Quetta n stranded
people
of
Kalat
and
Mastung. areas.
Flood
Munir were also present on the occasion. protection
Crescent News huge to tackle. walls,
electric
Like the northwestern parts of the country, nowfall in the country's high-altitude areas the southwestern part – Balochistan – also polls
and
major
has always been an attraction for people. received torrential rains and 3-4 foot snowfall in roads
were
SAs the winter begins to dump tons and tons January (17-22) this year. As a result, mercury of snow, tourists from all parts of the country plummeted below the freezing point in many damaged
at
make a beeline for these areas. areas. A feeling of euphoria hangs in the air, with the In several areas, infrastructure was seriously various
roads chock-a-block with trafc and crowds of damaged and roofs and buildings came crashing locations
while
giggling revelers enjoying themselves to their down. Major link roads also got badly damaged, heart's content by tossing snowballs at each leaving scores of people stranded. in
some
areas
other. Sixty-thousand families were affected while roofs
came
This is the bright side of the picture, but the 13 people were killed and 650 injured in different heavily negative and painful side of this picture is areas. crashing
down,
that snowfall and rain make the locals' lives a Flood protection walls, electric polls and injuring
many
misery until it thaws and the ice and snow melt roads were damaged at various locations in the slowly into water that cascades down the hill district according to a report prepared by the people.
In
into ravines and streams and nally into the control room established at the Chief Secretary's Kharan
district
rivers. ofce. The previous records pale into Rain and snowfall cut the people of these insignicance compared with rain and snowfall two
persons
areas off from the rest of the country. received this year. were
killed
and
As a result, supplies by road come to a In order to assess the situation for grinding halt, causing shortage of food, fuel (gas, distribution of relief, the Pakistan Red Crescent, many
injured
petrol, LPG) and dozens of items of daily use. Balochistan Branch, deployed ve teams in seriously. Shortage of edibles and other necessary items Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat Mastung and Kharan exposes the locals to a new wave of price hike. districts on Jan 15. Sometimes, strong winds blow tree limbs As per information provided by the district into power lines, causing them to spark and government and PDMA Balochistan the above- eventually snap. So, in the given circumstances mentioned districts were the worst affected. CAREGIVERS
AT
THEIR
BEST:
A
PRC
volunteer
tends
to
an
ailing
person
at
a
medical
camp
set
up
for
the
people
affected
by
rains
and
the difculties of the people of these areas are too The branch distributed food and non-food snowfall. Bomb
blasts/suicide
bombings 60 injured devotees. The Restoring Family Links (RFL) ofcers from Over
50
volunteers
and
trained
staff
of
the
Hyderabad, Sehwan and Karachi helped and guided the families of the victims. PRC
Jamshoro
Branch
reached
the
Lal
The teams also collected human body parts and shifted them to hospitals together with other Shahbaz
Qalandar
Shrine
with
three
emergency responders. Chairing
Cross,
Lahore
bombing: On February ambulances
soon
after
the
suicide
bombing
13, a suicide blast took place at the Chairing Cross on and
shifted
the
dead
and
the
injured
the Mall, Lahore claiming lives of 13 people and injuring over 85. The suicide attack took place when devotees
to
hospitals.
First-aid
was
also
high-ranking police ofcials and pharmacists were busy negotiating to end the strike. provided
to
over
60
injured
people. The PRC Punjab Branch staff and volunteers swiftly responded to the situation and shifted eight bodies and injured to different hospitals. The staff and volunteers deployed at different The
PRC
Punjab
branch
staff
and
volunteers
hospitals provided rst-aid and Restoring Family Link (RFL) services to 23 victims. Thirty blood bags were rushed
to
the
site
of
Chairing
Cross,
Lahore
blast
also donated for the injured patients. and
shifted
eight
bodies
and
injured
people
to
Attack
on
judges'
vehicle
in
Peshawar:
On different
hospitals.
First-aid
and
RFL
services
were
Feb 15, a suicide bomber targeted a judges' vehicle in also
provided
to
23
victims.
Thirty
blood
bags
Peshawar. One man was killed. The PRC emergency were
immediately
arranged
for
the
injured. response team responded to the situation and shifted the injured people to hospital besides donating blood. District
Courts,
Charsadda
attack: On February 21, three suicide bombers attempted to storm the district courts in Charsadda district of Khyber When
minutes
count, Pakhtunkhwa (KP). One of the bombers detonated himself a few meters from the entrance to the courts while the other two were gunned down by the alert police before they could enter the premises. Seven people, including a we
reach
there
first child and a lawyer, were killed. The PRC volunteers and staff quickly responded to By AFTAB MADNI & the attack and provided rst-aid to nine injured people ALI RAZA MUKHTAR and shifted three bodies to the hospital. Defence,
Lahore
explosion:
On February 23, ebruary witnessed a new wave eight people were killed and over 20 injured when a of suicide bombings in different powerful explosion ripped through an under- TAKING
DOWN
NOTES:
A
PRC
trained
volunteer
takes
down
notes
during
parts of the country claiming F construction building in Lahore's busy Defence Y his
visit
to
the
ICU
of
Benazir
Bhutto
Trauma
Centre,
Civil
Hospital,
Karachi. the lives of over 100 innocent people. Block Market. Being the leading humanitarian Soon after the explosion, the PRC staff and organization, the Pakistan Red volunteers rushed to the site with two ambulances and Crescent (PRC) reached the crime shifted seven injured people to hospitals. scenes with ambulances, RFL staff and First-aid, psychosocial support and free phone call volunteers, providing rst-aid to the service was also provided to 22 victims. injured and shifting the dead and the Mohmand
Agency
Headquarters
bombing: injured to different hospitals. On Feb 15, ve people, including three security forces Here are the details of efforts made personnel were martyred, while many others were by the PRC staff and vonteers: Lal
Shahbaz
Qalandar
Shrine
injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate of Mohmand Agency Headquarters in blast: On February 16, a bomber blew Ghalanai. himself up at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Two suicide bombers were on a motorbike. One Shrine in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh killing blew himself up while the other was killed by the 83 devotees and injuring over 300. Soon after the tragedy, the Pakistan security forces. Red Crescent (PRC) emergency Soon after the blast, the PRC Mohmand Agency response teams, including over 50 CDRT & ADRT volunteers under the leadership of volunteers and staff of Jamshoro Secretary PRC Mohmand Fauzee Khan rushed to the branch, rushed to the scene with three Agency Headquarters and shifted the dead and injured ambulances and shifted the dead and SHARING
THE
BURDEN:
The
PRC
trained
volunteers
tend
to
an
injured
devotee
at
the
personnel to the Agency Headquarters Hospital. First- RISING
TO
THE
OCCASION:
The
PRC
Mohmand
Agency
branch
shifts
the
the injured devotees to hospitals. Emergency
Headquarters
Taluqa
Hospital,
Sehwan
Sharif
while
doctors
and
paramedics
aid was also provided to the injured people besides victims
of
a
suicide
attack
at
the
Agency
Headquarters
Ghalanai
to
the
n First-aid was also provided to over are
busy
handling
critical
cases. donating blood for the victims. Agency
Headquarters
Hospital. Bomb
blasts/suicide
bombings 60 injured devotees. The Restoring Family Links (RFL) ofcers from Over
50
volunteers
and
trained
staff
of
the
Hyderabad, Sehwan and Karachi helped and guided the families of the victims. PRC
Jamshoro
Branch
reached
the
Lal
The teams also collected human body parts and shifted them to hospitals together with other Shahbaz
Qalandar
Shrine
with
three
emergency responders. Chairing
Cross,
Lahore
bombing: On February ambulances
soon
after
the
suicide
bombing
13, a suicide blast took place at the Chairing Cross on and
shifted
the
dead
and
the
injured
the Mall, Lahore claiming lives of 13 people and injuring over 85. The suicide attack took place when devotees
to
hospitals.
First-aid
was
also
high-ranking police ofcials and pharmacists were busy negotiating to end the strike. provided
to
over
60
injured
people. The PRC Punjab Branch staff and volunteers swiftly responded to the situation and shifted eight bodies and injured to different hospitals. The staff and volunteers deployed at different The
PRC
Punjab
branch
staff
and
volunteers
hospitals provided rst-aid and Restoring Family Link (RFL) services to 23 victims. Thirty blood bags were rushed
to
the
site
of
Chairing
Cross,
Lahore
blast
also donated for the injured patients. and
shifted
eight
bodies
and
injured
people
to
Attack
on
judges'
vehicle
in
Peshawar:
On different
hospitals.
First-aid
and
RFL
services
were
Feb 15, a suicide bomber targeted a judges' vehicle in also
provided
to
23
victims.
Thirty
blood
bags
Peshawar. One man was killed. The PRC emergency were
immediately
arranged
for
the
injured. response team responded to the situation and shifted the injured people to hospital besides donating blood. District
Courts,
Charsadda
attack: On February 21, three suicide bombers attempted to storm the district courts in Charsadda district of Khyber When
minutes
count, Pakhtunkhwa (KP). One of the bombers detonated himself a few meters from the entrance to the courts while the other two were gunned down by the alert police before they could enter the premises. Seven people, including a we
reach
there
first child and a lawyer, were killed. The PRC volunteers and staff quickly responded to By AFTAB MADNI & the attack and provided rst-aid to nine injured people ALI RAZA MUKHTAR and shifted three bodies to the hospital. Defence,
Lahore
explosion:
On February 23, ebruary witnessed a new wave eight people were killed and over 20 injured when a of suicide bombings in different powerful explosion ripped through an under- TAKING
DOWN
NOTES:
A
PRC
trained
volunteer
takes
down
notes
during
parts of the country claiming F construction building in Lahore's busy Defence Y his
visit
to
the
ICU
of
Benazir
Bhutto
Trauma
Centre,
Civil
Hospital,
Karachi. the lives of over 100 innocent people. Block Market. Being the leading humanitarian Soon after the explosion, the PRC staff and organization, the Pakistan Red volunteers rushed to the site with two ambulances and Crescent (PRC) reached the crime shifted seven injured people to hospitals. scenes with ambulances, RFL staff and First-aid, psychosocial support and free phone call volunteers, providing rst-aid to the service was also provided to 22 victims. injured and shifting the dead and the Mohmand
Agency
Headquarters
bombing: injured to different hospitals. On Feb 15, ve people, including three security forces Here are the details of efforts made personnel were martyred, while many others were by the PRC staff and vonteers: Lal
Shahbaz
Qalandar
Shrine
injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate of Mohmand Agency Headquarters in blast: On February 16, a bomber blew Ghalanai. himself up at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Two suicide bombers were on a motorbike. One Shrine in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh killing blew himself up while the other was killed by the 83 devotees and injuring over 300. Soon after the tragedy, the Pakistan security forces. Red Crescent (PRC) emergency Soon after the blast, the PRC Mohmand Agency response teams, including over 50 CDRT & ADRT volunteers under the leadership of volunteers and staff of Jamshoro Secretary PRC Mohmand Fauzee Khan rushed to the branch, rushed to the scene with three Agency Headquarters and shifted the dead and injured ambulances and shifted the dead and SHARING
THE
BURDEN:
The
PRC
trained
volunteers
tend
to
an
injured
devotee
at
the
personnel to the Agency Headquarters Hospital. First- RISING
TO
THE
OCCASION:
The
PRC
Mohmand
Agency
branch
shifts
the
the injured devotees to hospitals. Emergency
Headquarters
Taluqa
Hospital,
Sehwan
Sharif
while
doctors
and
paramedics
aid was also provided to the injured people besides victims
of
a
suicide
attack
at
the
Agency
Headquarters
Ghalanai
to
the
n First-aid was also provided to over are
busy
handling
critical
cases. donating blood for the victims. Agency
Headquarters
Hospital. Community
resilience Achievements
at
a
glance Strengthening
Registration
of
volunteers: Identication of 1,000 Community Based Volunteers (CBVs) was successfully completed in 10 villages of the UC. Twenty sessions in the RCRC principles and values were conducted, participated by 483 male and 440 female volunteers. communities
Innovative awareness raising approach, including text and voice mobile messages on disaster risk reduction (DRR), WASH and MNCH, was addressed. at
home Community mobilization, organization and capacity building of community institutions at the grass roots level were focused. Ninety-ve MCs were formed, having 95 each DRR, WASH and health forums. Twelve community management skills training (CMST) courses (each of 2 days) were conducted for the executive body members of these MCs. Around 185 male and 139 female staff were trained in these courses. The program team coordinated and participated in celebration of 12 events including MCH weeks (twice), RCRC Day and the World Health Day. Over 9,000 children and pregnant women were vaccinated. Hazard
mapping: Following detailed mapping at the village level, 20 foot- tracks, two link roads, one retention wall, one drainage channel and one irrigation channel were constructed, benetting 1,214 households. Plantation: In eight villages, 15,083 saplings of Robinia, Ailanthus, Pine, Kel and Ipple ipple, certied by the AJK Forest Department, were provided to communities for planting in areas facing landslides. The forest department also assisted the area people with plantation. Water
supply
schemes:
Thirty-one water supply schemes were launched out of which 29 have been completed while work on two schemes is in progress. The schemes will benet 1,472 households. Construction
of
latrines:
Open defecation not only pollutes environment, but also facilitates the spread of diseases affecting humans, wildlife and livestock. In order to ensure a safe environment, 790 households and 10 model latrines (lavatories) have been constructed in 10 villages of the union council. Training
in
PHAST: Twelve events of two-day training were held on A
total
of
17,077
locals,
Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST). A total of 359 community members/WASH forum members, including 215 males and including
8,795
males
and
144 females), were trained. Training
in
MNCH: A total of 367 people, including 153 males and 214 8,282
females,
have
benefitted females, were trained in MNCH in 15 training events. Series of meetings were held with the District Health Department (DHD) to By
NAVEED
AKHTAR
AWAN windstorms, avalanches, forest of these hazards, no trained disaster community-based disaster risk reduction discuss different clauses of the MoU already signed between the PRCS AJK degradation etc. management teams or preparedness initiatives. Branch and the District Health Department. nion Council Sarli Sacha is The most prevalent health risks in the plans were in place. Eight district, ve technical and four In order to attain maximum coordination and collaboration with the health situated in Patikka Tehsil of UC are diarrhea, scabies, acute Given these problems, the Pakistan National Program Steering Committee department, meetings were held at the eld level by involving the staff of two UMuzaffarabad district of Azad respiratory infection (ARI) and Red Crescent in partnership with the meetings were held at Muzaffarabad and the BHUs in the union council. Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) opposite the pneumonia, which especially affect Danish Red Crescent (DRC) and PRC National Headquarters (NHQ), All these meetings were aimed at ensuring better service delivery in the health main Neelum Highway. infants and children under ve. Australian Red Crescent (ARC) Islamabad respectively. sector to the communities. The UC has 10 villages connected These hazards are closely linked to l a u n c h e d a  v e - y e a r ( A u g u s t The stakeholders including the NHQ, A Health Management Committee was constituted in the area to ensure the water, sanitation and hygiene 2012–December 2017) Community AJK State branch, DRC, Local Government through narrow and often dangerous sustainability of health sector interventions. (WASH) situation. Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Rural Development Department, foot-tracks. In coordination with the DHD, the program has brought marked improvement The area is partly situated in the Red Although many water facilities were (CBDRR) program in the area. District Health Department (DHD), State Zone and is highly vulnerable to quakes. constructed after the 2005 quake, most The program has addressed a broad Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in maternal and child health care access, awareness and practices. Most families have been living in quake- of them have not been maintained and are spectrum of risks and vulnerabilities and Department of Forests (DoF) Few of important activities accomplished in this context are celebration of proof houses since the 2005 devastating out of joint. The mother, newborn and facing the communities and developed participated in these meetings. the World Health Day, MNCH week, 5-day refresher training course on quake. child health (MNCH) situation in the their resilience. After detailed discussions, decisions MNCH for LHW/Vs based in the program area, 3-day refresher training In addition to quakes, the UC is also UC is also in bad shape. The program focused on joint were taken and plans implemented course on LHWs manual and provision of LHW kits and BHU equipment in exposed to different environmental Though the UC had received support planning, coordination, capacity- accordingly. Formal MoUs were also signed the union council. threats like ash oods, landslides, from other stakeholders to address some b u i l d i n g a n d m a n a g e m e n t o f between the stakeholders. n Community
resilience Achievements
at
a
glance Strengthening
Registration
of
volunteers: Identication of 1,000 Community Based Volunteers (CBVs) was successfully completed in 10 villages of the UC. Twenty sessions in the RCRC principles and values were conducted, participated by 483 male and 440 female volunteers. communities
Innovative awareness raising approach, including text and voice mobile messages on disaster risk reduction (DRR), WASH and MNCH, was addressed. at
home Community mobilization, organization and capacity building of community institutions at the grass roots level were focused. Ninety-ve MCs were formed, having 95 each DRR, WASH and health forums. Twelve community management skills training (CMST) courses (each of 2 days) were conducted for the executive body members of these MCs. Around 185 male and 139 female staff were trained in these courses. The program team coordinated and participated in celebration of 12 events including MCH weeks (twice), RCRC Day and the World Health Day. Over 9,000 children and pregnant women were vaccinated. Hazard
mapping: Following detailed mapping at the village level, 20 foot- tracks, two link roads, one retention wall, one drainage channel and one irrigation channel were constructed, benetting 1,214 households. Plantation: In eight villages, 15,083 saplings of Robinia, Ailanthus, Pine, Kel and Ipple ipple, certied by the AJK Forest Department, were provided to communities for planting in areas facing landslides. The forest department also assisted the area people with plantation. Water
supply
schemes:
Thirty-one water supply schemes were launched out of which 29 have been completed while work on two schemes is in progress. The schemes will benet 1,472 households. Construction
of
latrines:
Open defecation not only pollutes environment, but also facilitates the spread of diseases affecting humans, wildlife and livestock. In order to ensure a safe environment, 790 households and 10 model latrines (lavatories) have been constructed in 10 villages of the union council. Training
in
PHAST: Twelve events of two-day training were held on A
total
of
17,077
locals,
Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST). A total of 359 community members/WASH forum members, including 215 males and including
8,795
males
and
144 females), were trained. Training
in
MNCH: A total of 367 people, including 153 males and 214 8,282
females,
have
benefitted females, were trained in MNCH in 15 training events. Series of meetings were held with the District Health Department (DHD) to By
NAVEED
AKHTAR
AWAN windstorms, avalanches, forest of these hazards, no trained disaster community-based disaster risk reduction discuss different clauses of the MoU already signed between the PRCS AJK degradation etc. management teams or preparedness initiatives. Branch and the District Health Department. nion Council Sarli Sacha is The most prevalent health risks in the plans were in place. Eight district, ve technical and four In order to attain maximum coordination and collaboration with the health situated in Patikka Tehsil of UC are diarrhea, scabies, acute Given these problems, the Pakistan National Program Steering Committee department, meetings were held at the eld level by involving the staff of two UMuzaffarabad district of Azad respiratory infection (ARI) and Red Crescent in partnership with the meetings were held at Muzaffarabad and the BHUs in the union council. Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) opposite the pneumonia, which especially affect Danish Red Crescent (DRC) and PRC National Headquarters (NHQ), All these meetings were aimed at ensuring better service delivery in the health main Neelum Highway. infants and children under ve. Australian Red Crescent (ARC) Islamabad respectively. sector to the communities. The UC has 10 villages connected These hazards are closely linked to l a u n c h e d a  v e - y e a r ( A u g u s t The stakeholders including the NHQ, A Health Management Committee was constituted in the area to ensure the water, sanitation and hygiene 2012–December 2017) Community AJK State branch, DRC, Local Government through narrow and often dangerous sustainability of health sector interventions. (WASH) situation. Based Disaster Risk Reduction and Rural Development Department, foot-tracks. In coordination with the DHD, the program has brought marked improvement The area is partly situated in the Red Although many water facilities were (CBDRR) program in the area. District Health Department (DHD), State Zone and is highly vulnerable to quakes. constructed after the 2005 quake, most The program has addressed a broad Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) in maternal and child health care access, awareness and practices. Most families have been living in quake- of them have not been maintained and are spectrum of risks and vulnerabilities and Department of Forests (DoF) Few of important activities accomplished in this context are celebration of proof houses since the 2005 devastating out of joint. The mother, newborn and facing the communities and developed participated in these meetings. the World Health Day, MNCH week, 5-day refresher training course on quake. child health (MNCH) situation in the their resilience. After detailed discussions, decisions MNCH for LHW/Vs based in the program area, 3-day refresher training In addition to quakes, the UC is also UC is also in bad shape. The program focused on joint were taken and plans implemented course on LHWs manual and provision of LHW kits and BHU equipment in exposed to different environmental Though the UC had received support planning, coordination, capacity- accordingly. Formal MoUs were also signed the union council. threats like ash oods, landslides, from other stakeholders to address some b u i l d i n g a n d m a n a g e m e n t o f between the stakeholders. n Together
we
can
move
mountains

anellists emphasized gender equality and women rights and empowerment during an event organized by Highlights
of
panel
discussion the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) on the International Women's Day under the theme “Women in the Humaira Hussain, a development professional, shared her personal story and the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” at the National Headquarters here. challenges she faced as a woman from South Punjab. P She decided to step out of the stereotypical profession expected of females such as a The participants were briefed about different programs of the PRC including gender and diversity, disaster management, rst-aid, blood donation services, youth & volunteers and restoring family links (RFL). doctor/teacher and pursue her career as a development professional. The managers of aforesaid programs enlightened the participants on how the PRC was rendering its Ms Hadia Aziz, Advocate Supreme Court, shared her journey of pursuing a career in a humanitarian services to vulnerable people in Pakistan in line with its seven principles of “humanity, predominantly male-oriented profession. impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.” Women rst have to recognize their rights as citizens, and that they too have an equal The brieng was followed by a panel discussion attended by Chairperson Pakistan Girls Guide Association right to pursue career in a profession of their choosing, she said. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Humera Hussain, Hadia Aziz and Riffat Haq. As women are usually pampered by families, they are usually not the decision makers, Women The panellists said the world of work was changing, with signicant implications for women. making them hesitant in their professional lives. We should aim and have the capacity to “On the one hand, we have globalization, technological and digital revolution and opportunities they bring, lead organizations, she added. “in the on the other we are facing growing informality of labour, unstable livelihoods and incomes, new scal and trade Professor Riffat Haq narrated her personal story of success, working as head of policies and environmental impacts — all of which must be addressed in the context of women's economic Gender and Equality Studies at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). Changing empowerment. She attributed her success to her mother's determination to educate her children, World of Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PRC Dr. Saeed Elahi said the Women Forum will address the specic regardless of gender. needs of Pakistani women and girls in times of natural and man-made disasters. She said family support could lead any woman to success. Riffat faced the pressure of

Work: He said provision of psycho-social referral services was an exceptional step taken by the PRC to address the pursuing a career in medicine; but she chose to graduate in history. She did her M. Phil

needs of vulnerable women all over the country. with distinction and nally PhD from Australia with the support of her family. “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation on behalf of the Pakistan Red Nuzhat Sadiq lists her mother-in-law as her inspiration, and says she's the one who Planet “ Crescent to all those who have contributed towards promoting the human rights of women in their personal or inspired her to pursue social work. 50-50 by institutional capacities, and to all those courageous women and men who continue to work for empowerment Her career was supported by her husband and in-laws all along. Though at times she and well-being of the women of Pakistan”, he added. could not spend as much time with her family, she's able to achieve personal gratication 2030 Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan said the PRC remained committed to empowerment of by the support of her family. She ultimately made it to the Senate. women. He said the Women Forum was the right platform where women can make full use of their potentials. Q&A
Session “In the past two decades, women have made a remarkable contribution to the country's economic progress A participant questioned Senator Nuzhat and the PRC about the steps taken to which has actually resulted in narrowing down gender gaps in literacy, legal rights, political participation and include disabled persons, especially females, in the workplace. service sector employment”, he added. Another participant commented that “disabled” was an obsolete term and it should be Later, Dr Saeed Elahi distributed shields among the panellists. replaced with “persons with different abilities”. Chairperson Women Forum Pakistan Red Crescent Saiqa Raziq, Program Ofcer Regional Blood Centre Dr Senator Nuzhat Sadiq said efforts were afoot to introduce a quota to incorporate Wasifa Mohtasim, First-Aid Program Ofcer Dr. Amna Khan, members of Women Forum and Pakistan Girl females with different abilities and in a few cases disabled persons were offered jobs. Guides Association, lawyers, health-care professionals, volunteers and the civil society representatives attended Ms Saiqa said under the umbrella of Women Forum, a workshop/activity specically the event. pertaining to women with disabilities was in the pipeline. n Together
we
can
move
mountains anellists emphasized gender equality and women rights and empowerment during an event organized by Highlights
of
panel
discussion the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) on the International Women's Day under the theme “Women in the Humaira Hussain, a development professional, shared her personal story and the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” at the National Headquarters here. challenges she faced as a woman from South Punjab. P She decided to step out of the stereotypical profession expected of females such as a The participants were briefed about different programs of the PRC including gender and diversity, disaster management, rst-aid, blood donation services, youth & volunteers and restoring family links (RFL). doctor/teacher and pursue her career as a development professional. The managers of aforesaid programs enlightened the participants on how the PRC was rendering its Ms Hadia Aziz, Advocate Supreme Court, shared her journey of pursuing a career in a humanitarian services to vulnerable people in Pakistan in line with its seven principles of “humanity, predominantly male-oriented profession. impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.” Women rst have to recognize their rights as citizens, and that they too have an equal The brieng was followed by a panel discussion attended by Chairperson Pakistan Girls Guide Association right to pursue career in a profession of their choosing, she said. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Humera Hussain, Hadia Aziz and Riffat Haq. As women are usually pampered by families, they are usually not the decision makers, Women The panellists said the world of work was changing, with signicant implications for women. making them hesitant in their professional lives. We should aim and have the capacity to “On the one hand, we have globalization, technological and digital revolution and opportunities they bring, lead organizations, she added. “in the on the other we are facing growing informality of labour, unstable livelihoods and incomes, new scal and trade Professor Riffat Haq narrated her personal story of success, working as head of policies and environmental impacts — all of which must be addressed in the context of women's economic Gender and Equality Studies at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU). Changing empowerment. She attributed her success to her mother's determination to educate her children, World of Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PRC Dr. Saeed Elahi said the Women Forum will address the specic regardless of gender. needs of Pakistani women and girls in times of natural and man-made disasters. She said family support could lead any woman to success. Riffat faced the pressure of

Work: He said provision of psycho-social referral services was an exceptional step taken by the PRC to address the pursuing a career in medicine; but she chose to graduate in history. She did her M. Phil needs of vulnerable women all over the country. with distinction and nally PhD from Australia with the support of her family. “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation on behalf of the Pakistan Red Nuzhat Sadiq lists her mother-in-law as her inspiration, and says she's the one who Planet “ Crescent to all those who have contributed towards promoting the human rights of women in their personal or inspired her to pursue social work. 50-50 by institutional capacities, and to all those courageous women and men who continue to work for empowerment Her career was supported by her husband and in-laws all along. Though at times she and well-being of the women of Pakistan”, he added. could not spend as much time with her family, she's able to achieve personal gratication 2030 Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan said the PRC remained committed to empowerment of by the support of her family. She ultimately made it to the Senate. women. He said the Women Forum was the right platform where women can make full use of their potentials. Q&A
Session “In the past two decades, women have made a remarkable contribution to the country's economic progress A participant questioned Senator Nuzhat and the PRC about the steps taken to which has actually resulted in narrowing down gender gaps in literacy, legal rights, political participation and include disabled persons, especially females, in the workplace. service sector employment”, he added. Another participant commented that “disabled” was an obsolete term and it should be Later, Dr Saeed Elahi distributed shields among the panellists. replaced with “persons with different abilities”. Chairperson Women Forum Pakistan Red Crescent Saiqa Raziq, Program Ofcer Regional Blood Centre Dr Senator Nuzhat Sadiq said efforts were afoot to introduce a quota to incorporate Wasifa Mohtasim, First-Aid Program Ofcer Dr. Amna Khan, members of Women Forum and Pakistan Girl females with different abilities and in a few cases disabled persons were offered jobs. Guides Association, lawyers, health-care professionals, volunteers and the civil society representatives attended Ms Saiqa said under the umbrella of Women Forum, a workshop/activity specically the event. pertaining to women with disabilities was in the pipeline. n PRC
Y&V
sets
the
bar
high
with
the
Pakistan
Sweet
Homes PRC
KP
free
eye
camp

he Youth & Volunteer TDepartment of the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) has proved i t s m e t t l e y e t a g a i n b y collaborating with the Pakistan Sweet Homes (PSH) on the World Orphans Day. The day was celebrated at the Sweet Homes, Islamabad on February 9. Notable political, social and literary gures like Senator Talha Mahmood, PRC Chairman Dr. he Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) Khyber Session
for
religious
leaders
Saeed Elahi, ZamurdKhan, TPakhtunkhwa Chapter organized a free eye camp in Ghulam M. Awan, Prof Malik collaboration with Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital (ATEH) Hygiene;
it's
two
thirds
of
health Hussain Mubashar, Naveed where around 2,333 patients were examined. Malik were in attendance. The camp was set up at the PRC KP Primary Health Crescent
News
Report Dr. Saeed Elahi opened the Care and Maternity Home, Bara Gate, Peshawar. session eulogizing the relentless Free spectacles were provided to 1,376 patients and eligious leaders are trusted and respected in the commitment of Sweet Homes medicines to 1,231 patients. Similarly, 80 patients, including Rcommunities throughout the world. faculty to the orphaned children. 43 patients with cataract were referred to the ATEH In many parts of Asia and the Middle East, people turn to Two brief rst-aid and Rawalpindi, where they would be treated free of cost. them for guidance on family and personal matters, including disaster management activities were performed by the talented children previously trained by a PRC team. Chairman PRCS KP Lt Gen (R) Mohammed Hamid decisions about health, education, livelihoods, and roles in the The worthy guests were subsequently called upon to share their views, ideas, dreams and efforts for improving the lives of Khan, Vice Chairperson Ms Azra Jamshed Karim, former society. The religious leaders along with their well-established orphaned children and they duly lled the audience in with their words of wisdom. Chief Guest Senator Talha closed the event with three times world squash champion and youth ambassador networks of volunteers and community groups have the an elaborate insight into the issues impeding the welfare of the orphaned children. of PRCS KP Qamar Zaman, members of Managing potential to promote and sustain positive changes in social norms, attitudes and behaviors. Lastly, the PSH patron-in-chief Zamurd Khan lauded the proposal of Y&V Program Manager Sami Ullah Abbasi to conduct a Committee PRC KP, General Manager ATEH Col (R) Tariq The Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) sports week and exposure visit for the Sweet Homes children. At the end, sweet tokens of affection were distributed among the kids Usman and his team of eye-specialists were also present on the occasion. Program of the Pakistan Red Crescent arranged a session on “The by the volunteers of Y&V PRC which they cherished excitedly. Role of Religious leaders in Health & hygiene” for the religious leaders of Sarli Sacha Union Council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Fifteen religious leaders from the program area attended the MoU
for
special
athletes
session. The health and hygiene situation in the disaster-prone union council is poor, exposing the inhabitants to serious health challengers. The program addresses many of these challenges and contributes towards achieving key SDGs as well as government priorities outlined in the national health policies and programs. The program engaged religious leaders as practicing development actors who can provide substantive input on implementation of development objectives of the program in the communities they serve. Consistent, respectful engagement has the potential to facilitate greater partnership, as well as ownership of a community's own development. Effective engagement means listening to these leaders' Free
medical
camp experiences and expertise, and cultivating relationships that are nurtured between and beyond project. he Pakistan Red Crescent, Sindh and Special Olympics he Pakistan Red Crescent in collaboration with the The Mother, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) is one of TPakistan (SOP) have signed a Memorandum of TTraders Welfare Association organized a one-day free the important components of the program. The main objective of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and build up the capacities medical camp at the G-11 Markaz. the session was to sensitize the participants to health and of Special Olympics athletes in Pakistan. Walk
for
a
greater
cause A team of doctors from Shifa International, Islamabad, hygiene issues and to draw their attention to play their role to The MoU is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the most Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi and Benazir Bhutto educate communities about the health and hygiene situation in vulnerable people, particularly special children and athletes, in here is no doubt that today's children are the bright Shaheed Hospital, Rawalpindi conducted free medical line with the Islamic teachings. addition to helping each other in training of rst aid, casualty Ttomorrow of Pakistan. check-ups and gave medicines to over 200 deserving Topics about the rights of mother, wife and children, birth handling and emergency response etc. To highlight this fact, the PRC Youth & Volunteers patients, including children. spacing and its link with the health of the mother and child were The PRC, Sindh Chairperson Mrs. Farzana Naek signed the participated in a walk along with the civil society, The team comprised Dr Hashir Pervez, Dr Hassam elaborated. Rasool, Dr Khushbakht Tanvir, Dr Muhammad Hassan, Dr Moreover, topics like tooth brushing, bathing and hand- MoU under which training will be imparted to the SOP athletes academia, lawyers, media led by Reham Khan. Nishe Tariq, Dr Mehreen Zafar, Dr Dawood Shah, Dr Junaid washing also came under discussion. in basic health care services like the rst-aid, prevention from The walk was joined by hundreds of people who HIV, hepatitis, hygiene, basic disaster management etc. Special and Dr Wasifa Mohtasim. The religious leaders also thanked the PRC for organizing the pledged to full their duties for the rights of children. To the Blood sugar tests were also conducted at the camp that session which will surely help them pay special attention to Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Iqbal Lakhani said the joy of PRC Y&V, Reham Khan also expressed her desire to SOP was an association working for the welfare special persons started at 11am and concluded at 4pm. People volunteered to raising awareness of health and hygiene in accordance with the work as the PRC volunteer in Pakistan. give blood donations. Islamic teachings. PRC
Y&V
sets
the
bar
high
with
the
Pakistan
Sweet
Homes PRC
KP
free
eye
camp
he Youth & Volunteer TDepartment of the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) has proved i t s m e t t l e y e t a g a i n b y collaborating with the Pakistan Sweet Homes (PSH) on the World Orphans Day. The day was celebrated at the Sweet Homes, Islamabad on February 9. Notable political, social and literary gures like Senator Talha Mahmood, PRC Chairman Dr. he Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) Khyber Session
for
religious
leaders
Saeed Elahi, ZamurdKhan, TPakhtunkhwa Chapter organized a free eye camp in Ghulam M. Awan, Prof Malik collaboration with Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital (ATEH) Hygiene;
it's
two
thirds
of
health Hussain Mubashar, Naveed where around 2,333 patients were examined. Malik were in attendance. The camp was set up at the PRC KP Primary Health Crescent
News
Report Dr. Saeed Elahi opened the Care and Maternity Home, Bara Gate, Peshawar. session eulogizing the relentless Free spectacles were provided to 1,376 patients and eligious leaders are trusted and respected in the commitment of Sweet Homes medicines to 1,231 patients. Similarly, 80 patients, including Rcommunities throughout the world. faculty to the orphaned children. 43 patients with cataract were referred to the ATEH In many parts of Asia and the Middle East, people turn to Two brief rst-aid and Rawalpindi, where they would be treated free of cost. them for guidance on family and personal matters, including disaster management activities were performed by the talented children previously trained by a PRC team. Chairman PRCS KP Lt Gen (R) Mohammed Hamid decisions about health, education, livelihoods, and roles in the The worthy guests were subsequently called upon to share their views, ideas, dreams and efforts for improving the lives of Khan, Vice Chairperson Ms Azra Jamshed Karim, former society. The religious leaders along with their well-established orphaned children and they duly lled the audience in with their words of wisdom. Chief Guest Senator Talha closed the event with three times world squash champion and youth ambassador networks of volunteers and community groups have the an elaborate insight into the issues impeding the welfare of the orphaned children. of PRCS KP Qamar Zaman, members of Managing potential to promote and sustain positive changes in social norms, attitudes and behaviors. Lastly, the PSH patron-in-chief Zamurd Khan lauded the proposal of Y&V Program Manager Sami Ullah Abbasi to conduct a Committee PRC KP, General Manager ATEH Col (R) Tariq The Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) sports week and exposure visit for the Sweet Homes children. At the end, sweet tokens of affection were distributed among the kids Usman and his team of eye-specialists were also present on the occasion. Program of the Pakistan Red Crescent arranged a session on “The by the volunteers of Y&V PRC which they cherished excitedly. Role of Religious leaders in Health & hygiene” for the religious leaders of Sarli Sacha Union Council of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Fifteen religious leaders from the program area attended the MoU
for
special
athletes
session. The health and hygiene situation in the disaster-prone union council is poor, exposing the inhabitants to serious health challengers. The program addresses many of these challenges and contributes towards achieving key SDGs as well as government priorities outlined in the national health policies and programs. The program engaged religious leaders as practicing development actors who can provide substantive input on implementation of development objectives of the program in the communities they serve. Consistent, respectful engagement has the potential to facilitate greater partnership, as well as ownership of a community's own development. Effective engagement means listening to these leaders' Free
medical
camp experiences and expertise, and cultivating relationships that are nurtured between and beyond project. he Pakistan Red Crescent, Sindh and Special Olympics he Pakistan Red Crescent in collaboration with the The Mother, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) is one of TPakistan (SOP) have signed a Memorandum of TTraders Welfare Association organized a one-day free the important components of the program. The main objective of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and build up the capacities medical camp at the G-11 Markaz. the session was to sensitize the participants to health and of Special Olympics athletes in Pakistan. Walk
for
a
greater
cause A team of doctors from Shifa International, Islamabad, hygiene issues and to draw their attention to play their role to The MoU is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the most Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi and Benazir Bhutto educate communities about the health and hygiene situation in vulnerable people, particularly special children and athletes, in here is no doubt that today's children are the bright Shaheed Hospital, Rawalpindi conducted free medical line with the Islamic teachings. addition to helping each other in training of rst aid, casualty Ttomorrow of Pakistan. check-ups and gave medicines to over 200 deserving Topics about the rights of mother, wife and children, birth handling and emergency response etc. To highlight this fact, the PRC Youth & Volunteers patients, including children. spacing and its link with the health of the mother and child were The PRC, Sindh Chairperson Mrs. Farzana Naek signed the participated in a walk along with the civil society, The team comprised Dr Hashir Pervez, Dr Hassam elaborated. Rasool, Dr Khushbakht Tanvir, Dr Muhammad Hassan, Dr Moreover, topics like tooth brushing, bathing and hand- MoU under which training will be imparted to the SOP athletes academia, lawyers, media led by Reham Khan. Nishe Tariq, Dr Mehreen Zafar, Dr Dawood Shah, Dr Junaid washing also came under discussion. in basic health care services like the rst-aid, prevention from The walk was joined by hundreds of people who HIV, hepatitis, hygiene, basic disaster management etc. Special and Dr Wasifa Mohtasim. The religious leaders also thanked the PRC for organizing the pledged to full their duties for the rights of children. To the Blood sugar tests were also conducted at the camp that session which will surely help them pay special attention to Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Iqbal Lakhani said the joy of PRC Y&V, Reham Khan also expressed her desire to SOP was an association working for the welfare special persons started at 11am and concluded at 4pm. People volunteered to raising awareness of health and hygiene in accordance with the work as the PRC volunteer in Pakistan. give blood donations. Islamic teachings. By Dr Amna Khan

he Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) is Everywhere
first
running its agship First Aid TProgram in 91 districts of the country. in
first
aid This program is not just a program but a skill rendered to the community, making it more resilient, more knowledgeable and able to respond to any emergency, be it at home, or at the workplace. The program targets the youth which is the most active and the most resilient of the community. The program enables the youth to respond to everyday emergencies and to be a more productive and more efcient member of the community. The program has several success stories, quoted not only by the students, but also by The conduct of first aid session and My younger brother choked on a teacher, community member, police department, bystanders and women. the World First Aid Day at our school coin; I was able to respond with Student Nimrah from Chitral says: “My was a matter of privilege for us; the the skill I’d learnt in a session held younger brother choked on a coin; I was students have benefitted from the at my college. I gave him back able to respond with the skill I’d learnt in a session held at my college. I gave him back knowledge and skills imparted blows and saved his life blows and saved his life.” Mr Sajid, Principal: The conduct of Sajid,
a
teacher Nimrah,
a
student rst aid session and the World First Aid Day at our school was a matter of privilege DFAT Shangla and Mansehra were able to provide rst aid for us; the students have benetted a lot from the knowledge and respond in several emergencies in their local areas. and skills imparted. Ms Hafsa from Ecole School said she was able to provide rst One of the PRC staff said he became an everyday hero after he aid to her father who had a heart attack and transported him to was able to save the life of a baby girl when she choked on a piece of hospital providing rst aid she had learnt during a training food during a marriage ceremony. conducted by the PRC. Another person said he witnessed a road accident and was able The first aid program not only works to impact the masses, to provide rst aid to the victim, who had fractured his wrist, by but also teaches skills and knowledge to persons, which is immobilizing it. DFAT Islamabad has been able to respond to disseminated at a wider scale in the community and leads to the several injuries in road accidents and save lives. enlightenment of community at large. n Safety
first
is
safety
always!

By Muhammad Rustam police ofcials on the special request of Principal Police Training School (PTS), n order to minimize death or permanent Muzaffarabad. Forty policewomen were Idisability on the site of incident and also among 480 participants. during transportation of patients to an Speaking at the opening session, ambulance or a medical facility, the AJK Administrator AJK State Branch Ghulam branch of the Pakistan Red Crescent Mohiud Din said they stood by the (PRC) imparted basic lifesaving skills to government departments to ease the 2,250 beneciaries by organizing rst-aid vulnerability of the AJK people. He trainings in nine districts of the disaster- suggested that a ve-day basic rst-aid prone state of AJK in the rst two months training course should be part of the PTS of the current year. syllabus. The objective of these trainings was to Principal Police Training School SSP prepare students, policemen, lawyers, Asif Durrani thanked the PRC for community members, journalists and situation and save the lives of victims. organizing the rst-aid training for police people from different walks of life to The AJK State Branch organized a two- and reiterated his cooperation with the skilfully respond to a disaster or emergency day basic rst-aid training session for 480 PRC in future. n

Editor-in-Chief Editor KB Majeed Deputy Editor Mehmood Awan Editor (Coord) Rehan Ali Ghulam Muhammad Awan Circulation Manager Maqsood Ahmed Designer Ghulam Ahmad Photography Ajabat Shah Pakistan Red Crescent National Headquarters, Sector H-8, Islamabad Write to us Ph: 051-9250412 www.prcs.org.pk [email protected]