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ISLAMABAD, Jan 30 (APP): Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Mrs Farzhana Naek held a series of high level meetings with the leadership of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) at their headquarters in Geneva to advance institutional strengthening, sustainability and coordinated humanitarian action.
The visit marked Mrs Naek’s first official engagement in Geneva since assuming office as chairperson of PRCS.
During her meeting at the IFRC headquarters, she held talks with IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain, focusing on strengthening PRCS’s institutional framework and enhancing its capacity to deliver effective humanitarian services across Pakistan.
Mr Chapagain appreciated the organisational transformation underway at PRCS and noted that the ongoing reforms would have long-term benefits for the national society.
Discussions also covered resource mobilisation and measures aimed at ensuring the financial sustainability of PRCS, with the IFRC secretary general reaffirming the federation’s continued support for PRCS in achieving its strategic goals.
In a separate engagement, Mrs Naek held a virtual meeting with ICRC Director General Pierre Kraehenbuehl during her visit to the ICRC headquarters. Mr Kraehenbuehl commended the progress made by PRCS under the current leadership and acknowledged its expanding humanitarian outreach across the country.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the merged areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with particular attention to Khyber district’s Tirah tehsil and Kurram district.
The ICRC director general also appreciated the scope and impact of Pakistan’s Restoring Family Links programme, recognising its role in reconnecting families separated due to conflict, disasters and migration.
Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Naek said the Geneva engagements provided an important opportunity to align PRCS priorities with those of its Movement partners at the global level. She noted that discussions with IFRC and ICRC leadership reinforced a shared emphasis on sustainability, accountability and practical humanitarian outcomes, and highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in responding to the needs of vulnerable communities.
In addition to meetings with senior leadership, the PRCS chairperson held detailed discussions with senior officials and global programme heads from both organisations.
These engagements covered innovative financing, climate action, migration, health, disaster response and strengthening the auxiliary role of PRCS.
Other areas discussed included digitalisation, legal and governance frameworks, ethics and accountability, integrated health services, cash-based assistance and resilience building.
Participants also acknowledged PRCS’s extensive community presence, its volunteer network and its growing role within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The Geneva visit reflects PRCS’s continued engagement with its Movement partners to strengthen cooperation, enhance institutional capacity and expand the reach and impact of humanitarian services for communities across Pakistan.