January-March, 2017

rescent NewsA quarterly magazine of Pakistan Red Crescent

By HUMERA KARIM

Back in 2009 when a strong quake befell his village Khanozai – the headquarters of Karezat Tehsil of Pishin district, Balochistan – Muhammad Ibrahim Khan stood aghast, bewildered and motionless, with the debris of razed buildings all around.

After slowly adjusting himself to the terrible situation he and the area people were in, his eyes wandered around in disbelief and fastened onto a group of people donning red shirts emblazoned with the name of Pakistan Red Crescent.

He saw these red shirts tending to the injured and shifting them and the badly burnt bodies to the wailing ambulances on stretchers.

At that time, it occurred to Ibrahim as though he was just a bystander having no link with the situation around.

Then a sudden rush of emotions pushed him into the activity and he saw him working shoulder to shoulder with the red shirts.

Two months later, he came to Quetta and attended the "Youth and Volunteer Program" of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Balochistan. The same year he lost his two best friends to terrorism.

Talking to the writer, Ibrahim said: "What prompted me to join the PRC was that one day one of my friends was shot at and he bled to death before my eyes, as I had no idea of rst aid. The least I could do was to scream and to beg for help. This sad incident proved to be a blessing in disguise, as I started attending the rst-aid trainings regularly.

After one laborious year, I was nally able to provide any kind of rst aid.

In 2011, when two consecutive suicide bomb attacks occurred at the residence of DIG Frontier Corps, I along with the Red Crescent team reached the spot within no time.

Dr. Imran Khan (Provincial Program Ofcer, PRC Balochistan) and other volunteers were providing rst aid to the injured but the pieces of burnt human esh scattered all over the place scared me. The trauma was so intense that I was rooted to the ground.

In order to overcome fear, I started visiting hospitals to get an insight, rid myself of fear and strengthen my nerves.

Two months later, there was again a terrorist attack. I reached the spot and found a policeman lying on the ground; I checked his pulse and found him dead.

I also saw a person crying with pain. A bullet had pierced his heart. I tried to give him rst aid but again I failed to execute what I had long practiced.

I discussed my condition with Dr. Imran who provided me with counselling, enabling me to break free from fear.

On June 15, 2013 a bus carrying students from Bahadur Khan Women University was attacked with an explosive device. There were lots of bodies and injured girls.

I found a girl that was critically burnt. I covered her with cloth and washed her face and hands to soothe her burnt tissues.

When I came out holding the girl rmly in my hands, I was really scared of her male family members keeping in view the tribal norms but to my surprise her father came up to me and stroked my head with affection.

I have so far provided rst aid in almost 30 terrorist attacks and around 50 killings.

Working as a volunteer has become a passion of my life. My family and friends never supported my passion rather I was shown the darker side of the picture all the way. But I never cared a g.

I am doing it all for the sake of God and His subjects. Many a time I heard people calling us "Angels in Red Jackets".

The Red Crescent has given me so much I can never repay. It's my message to all to serve the humanity without discriminating between caste, creed, race, religion or ethnicity."

The PRC awarded an honorary gold medal to Ibrahim Khan for his extraordinary performance as the Emergency Response Team (ETR) member. n

REAL�LIVINGREAL�LIVINGREAL�LIVINGis�living�for�othersis�living�for�othersis�living�for�others

"What�prompted�me�to�join�the�PRC�was�that�one�day�one�of�my�friends�was�shot�at�and�he�bled�to�death�before�my�eyes,�as�I�had�no�

idea�of�first�aid.�After�one�labourious�year,�I�was�finally�able�to�provide�any�kind�of�first�aid."

The Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) handed the rst consignment of relief goods over to the Turkish Ambassador S. Babür Girgin for onward distribution to the Syrian refugees through the Turkish Red Crescent.

The relief items included 10,000 blankets, 5,000 jackets and 5,000 shirts. The handover ceremony took place at the President House, Islamabad.

Addressing the handover ceremony, President Mamnoon Hussain said the PRC's humanitarian efforts will further cement Pakistan's relations with Turkey and Syria and others should also follow its initiatives.

“This gesture shows that the PRC stands with vulnerable and exposed people not only in Pakistan, but also with those living beyond borders,” he added.

PRC Chairman Dr. Saeed Elahi briefed the president about transportation of relief goods for the Syrian refugees and coordination with the TRC in this regard. He informed the president that the PRC will also send another consignment of football kits for the Syrian refugees.

Turkish Ambasador S. Babür Girgin on the occasion thanked the President of Pakistan and PRC Chairman for the support.

PRC Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan, Managing Body Members Dr. Jamal Nasir, Prof. Dr. Hussain Mubbashar Malik, Haider Rizvi, PRC ofcers and staff, TRC Head of Delegation Izzet Curaci and others were also present on the occasion. n

Standing�shoulder�to�shoulderwith�Syrian�brethren

President�Mamnoon�Hussain�says�dispatch�of�relief�goods�shows�Pakistan�and�Turkey�stand�with�their�Syrian�brethren�in�hour�of�needTurkish�Ambassador�S.�Babür�Girgin�thanks�the�President�and�PRC�Chairman�for�the�supportDr.�Saeed�Elahi�says�the�PRC�will�also�send�another�consignment�of�football�kits�for�the�Syrian�refugees

The�Pakistan�Red�Crescent�handed�the�first�consignment�of�10,000�blankets�and�5,000�jackets�and�woollies�each�over�to�the�Turkish�Red�Cross�(TRC)�for�distribution�to�the�Syrian�brethren�afflicted�by�the�civil�war�that��

entered�the�seventh�year�in�March�this�year

By HUMERA KARIM

Back in 2009 when a strong quake befell his village Khanozai – the headquarters of Karezat Tehsil of Pishin district, Balochistan – Muhammad Ibrahim Khan stood aghast, bewildered and motionless, with the debris of razed buildings all around.

After slowly adjusting himself to the terrible situation he and the area people were in, his eyes wandered around in disbelief and fastened onto a group of people donning red shirts emblazoned with the name of Pakistan Red Crescent.

He saw these red shirts tending to the injured and shifting them and the badly burnt bodies to the wailing ambulances on stretchers.

At that time, it occurred to Ibrahim as though he was just a bystander having no link with the situation around.

Then a sudden rush of emotions pushed him into the activity and he saw him working shoulder to shoulder with the red shirts.

Two months later, he came to Quetta and attended the "Youth and Volunteer Program" of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Balochistan. The same year he lost his two best friends to terrorism.

Talking to the writer, Ibrahim said: "What prompted me to join the PRC was that one day one of my friends was shot at and he bled to death before my eyes, as I had no idea of rst aid. The least I could do was to scream and to beg for help. This sad incident proved to be a blessing in disguise, as I started attending the rst-aid trainings regularly.

After one laborious year, I was nally able to provide any kind of rst aid.

In 2011, when two consecutive suicide bomb attacks occurred at the residence of DIG Frontier Corps, I along with the Red Crescent team reached the spot within no time.

Dr. Imran Khan (Provincial Program Ofcer, PRC Balochistan) and other volunteers were providing rst aid to the injured but the pieces of burnt human esh scattered all over the place scared me. The trauma was so intense that I was rooted to the ground.

In order to overcome fear, I started visiting hospitals to get an insight, rid myself of fear and strengthen my nerves.

Two months later, there was again a terrorist attack. I reached the spot and found a policeman lying on the ground; I checked his pulse and found him dead.

I also saw a person crying with pain. A bullet had pierced his heart. I tried to give him rst aid but again I failed to execute what I had long practiced.

I discussed my condition with Dr. Imran who provided me with counselling, enabling me to break free from fear.

On June 15, 2013 a bus carrying students from Bahadur Khan Women University was attacked with an explosive device. There were lots of bodies and injured girls.

I found a girl that was critically burnt. I covered her with cloth and washed her face and hands to soothe her burnt tissues.

When I came out holding the girl rmly in my hands, I was really scared of her male family members keeping in view the tribal norms but to my surprise her father came up to me and stroked my head with affection.

I have so far provided rst aid in almost 30 terrorist attacks and around 50 killings.

Working as a volunteer has become a passion of my life. My family and friends never supported my passion rather I was shown the darker side of the picture all the way. But I never cared a g.

I am doing it all for the sake of God and His subjects. Many a time I heard people calling us "Angels in Red Jackets".

The Red Crescent has given me so much I can never repay. It's my message to all to serve the humanity without discriminating between caste, creed, race, religion or ethnicity."

The PRC awarded an honorary gold medal to Ibrahim Khan for his extraordinary performance as the Emergency Response Team (ETR) member. n

REAL�LIVINGREAL�LIVINGREAL�LIVINGis�living�for�othersis�living�for�othersis�living�for�others

"What�prompted�me�to�join�the�PRC�was�that�one�day�one�of�my�friends�was�shot�at�and�he�bled�to�death�before�my�eyes,�as�I�had�no�

idea�of�first�aid.�After�one�labourious�year,�I�was�finally�able�to�provide�any�kind�of�first�aid."

The Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) handed the rst consignment of relief goods over to the Turkish Ambassador S. Babür Girgin for onward distribution to the Syrian refugees through the Turkish Red Crescent.

The relief items included 10,000 blankets, 5,000 jackets and 5,000 shirts. The handover ceremony took place at the President House, Islamabad.

Addressing the handover ceremony, President Mamnoon Hussain said the PRC's humanitarian efforts will further cement Pakistan's relations with Turkey and Syria and others should also follow its initiatives.

“This gesture shows that the PRC stands with vulnerable and exposed people not only in Pakistan, but also with those living beyond borders,” he added.

PRC Chairman Dr. Saeed Elahi briefed the president about transportation of relief goods for the Syrian refugees and coordination with the TRC in this regard. He informed the president that the PRC will also send another consignment of football kits for the Syrian refugees.

Turkish Ambasador S. Babür Girgin on the occasion thanked the President of Pakistan and PRC Chairman for the support.

PRC Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan, Managing Body Members Dr. Jamal Nasir, Prof. Dr. Hussain Mubbashar Malik, Haider Rizvi, PRC ofcers and staff, TRC Head of Delegation Izzet Curaci and others were also present on the occasion. n

Standing�shoulder�to�shoulderwith�Syrian�brethren

President�Mamnoon�Hussain�says�dispatch�of�relief�goods�shows�Pakistan�and�Turkey�stand�with�their�Syrian�brethren�in�hour�of�needTurkish�Ambassador�S.�Babür�Girgin�thanks�the�President�and�PRC�Chairman�for�the�supportDr.�Saeed�Elahi�says�the�PRC�will�also�send�another�consignment�of�football�kits�for�the�Syrian�refugees

The�Pakistan�Red�Crescent�handed�the�first�consignment�of�10,000�blankets�and�5,000�jackets�and�woollies�each�over�to�the�Turkish�Red�Cross�(TRC)�for�distribution�to�the�Syrian�brethren�afflicted�by�the�civil�war�that��

entered�the�seventh�year�in�March�this�year

By�Kamran�Yousafzai�and�Safdar�Ali�Safdar

he residents of Shershal – a village in Karimabad Town of TChitral district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province – will never forget the Feb 5 dreadful night when a loud rumble stirred them in their beds in snug little houses covered all around by a thick blanket of three to four feet of snow.

They had very little time left to shift to safety, as a few hundred meters away from their modestly built houses, a huge wall of snow, mud and big rocks had broken off from a gigantic glacier triggered by heavy rains and began to race towards the town like a roaring monster.

A primal feeling of the worst had forced 17 to 18 families to move to safer locations a few days back, but a few dozen residents pushed their luck too far, believing that nothing bad would happen to them.

This deliberate irtation with death from a false sense of security caused them to pay a huge price in terms of loss of precious human lives and cattle and damage to property.

While the inhabitants stood rooted to the ground from fear, this wall of icy water, mud, stones and big rocks descended on the town like lightning, razing almost all the houses which came in its way.

Twenty-two houses were affected out of which six were reduced to rubble. Twenty-seven people, including women and children, were buried under the avalanche.

Thirteen people were taken out alive while 14 people lost their life, including six children and six women.

Roads covered in snow and mud and almost zero visibility due to the heavily overcast skies blocked all ground and aerial rescue efforts, but despite all these hurdles rescue teams managed to reach the village to dig out the dead and survivors.

The injured survivors suffering from hypothermia were airlifted to hospitals soon after improvement in visibility.

On February 11, a PRC team visited Shershal Village to assess damage to life and property.

The BDRT, DDRT, three general volunteers and district secretary participated in the assessment led by DDMO Chitral Ghafoor Ahmad.

Beyond�the�call�of�duty

Snowfall�&�Landslides

A list of 18 completely damaged houses was prepared. On February 13, the PRC Chitral Branch distributed CGI sheets and non-food items (NFIs) among the 18 affected families.

The beneciaries were gathered at a single point for distribution. Tehsildar Amjad Farid represented the district administration.

The PRC Gilgit-Baltistan Branch also rushed to Oshkandas village in Gilgit and provided transitional shelter packages to 31affected families.

The shelter packages included CGI sheets, sleeping bags, edible oil, wooden stoves, water cans and other items of domestic

It's�a�close�shave:�survivorSharing�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.”

S#

Item Name

Per Family No. of

familiesDistributed

1

CGI Sheets

14 18 2522

Tarpaulins

2 18 363 Jerry cans 1 18 364 Mosquito nets 2 18 365 Blankets 8 18 1266 Hygiene kits 1 18 187 Kitchen sets 1 18 188 Wood burning stoves

with pipe1 18 18

09 Shelter tool kits 1 18 1810 Lanterns 1 18 18

List�of�items�distributed�in�Shershal

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.

“The PRC has given us a lot during these difcult circumstances but we have nothing to give in return. You have won the hearts of my community,” said Sardar Khan, leader of the beneciaries.

“I can't imagine how we have been living in tents for almost two years braving the elements, but the Pakistan Red Crescent is the only organization that felt our pain and provided us with the much-needed assistance to live a decent, comfortable life,” said Liaquat Ali, another beneciary.

The following table gives an insight into the PRC's efforts for rehabilitation of the affected people. n

LENDING� A� HELPING� HAND:� The� PRC� Gilgit-Baltistan� Branch�distributes� CGI� sheets,� sleeping� bags,� oil� and� wooden� stoves,�water� cans� and� other� items� among� 31� disaster-hit� families� of�Oshkandas�village.

SPEEDY�RELIEF:�The�PRC�Khyber�Pakhtunkhwa�Branch�distributes�CGI�sheets,�tarpaulins,�mosquito�nets,�blankets,�hygiene�kits�and�other�necessary�items�among�the�residents�of�Shershal�affected�by�an�avalanche.

By�Kamran�Yousafzai�and�Safdar�Ali�Safdar

he residents of Shershal – a village in Karimabad Town of TChitral district of northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province – will never forget the Feb 5 dreadful night when a loud rumble stirred them in their beds in snug little houses covered all around by a thick blanket of three to four feet of snow.

They had very little time left to shift to safety, as a few hundred meters away from their modestly built houses, a huge wall of snow, mud and big rocks had broken off from a gigantic glacier triggered by heavy rains and began to race towards the town like a roaring monster.

A primal feeling of the worst had forced 17 to 18 families to move to safer locations a few days back, but a few dozen residents pushed their luck too far, believing that nothing bad would happen to them.

This deliberate irtation with death from a false sense of security caused them to pay a huge price in terms of loss of precious human lives and cattle and damage to property.

While the inhabitants stood rooted to the ground from fear, this wall of icy water, mud, stones and big rocks descended on the town like lightning, razing almost all the houses which came in its way.

Twenty-two houses were affected out of which six were reduced to rubble. Twenty-seven people, including women and children, were buried under the avalanche.

Thirteen people were taken out alive while 14 people lost their life, including six children and six women.

Roads covered in snow and mud and almost zero visibility due to the heavily overcast skies blocked all ground and aerial rescue efforts, but despite all these hurdles rescue teams managed to reach the village to dig out the dead and survivors.

The injured survivors suffering from hypothermia were airlifted to hospitals soon after improvement in visibility.

On February 11, a PRC team visited Shershal Village to assess damage to life and property.

The BDRT, DDRT, three general volunteers and district secretary participated in the assessment led by DDMO Chitral Ghafoor Ahmad.

Beyond�the�call�of�duty

Snowfall�&�Landslides

A list of 18 completely damaged houses was prepared. On February 13, the PRC Chitral Branch distributed CGI sheets and non-food items (NFIs) among the 18 affected families.

The beneciaries were gathered at a single point for distribution. Tehsildar Amjad Farid represented the district administration.

The PRC Gilgit-Baltistan Branch also rushed to Oshkandas village in Gilgit and provided transitional shelter packages to 31affected families.

The shelter packages included CGI sheets, sleeping bags, edible oil, wooden stoves, water cans and other items of domestic

It's�a�close�shave:�survivorSharing�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.”

S#

Item Name

Per Family No. of

familiesDistributed

1

CGI Sheets

14 18 2522

Tarpaulins

2 18 363 Jerry cans 1 18 364 Mosquito nets 2 18 365 Blankets 8 18 1266 Hygiene kits 1 18 187 Kitchen sets 1 18 188 Wood burning stoves

with pipe1 18 18

09 Shelter tool kits 1 18 1810 Lanterns 1 18 18

List�of�items�distributed�in�Shershal

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.

“The PRC has given us a lot during these difcult circumstances but we have nothing to give in return. You have won the hearts of my community,” said Sardar Khan, leader of the beneciaries.

“I can't imagine how we have been living in tents for almost two years braving the elements, but the Pakistan Red Crescent is the only organization that felt our pain and provided us with the much-needed assistance to live a decent, comfortable life,” said Liaquat Ali, another beneciary.

The following table gives an insight into the PRC's efforts for rehabilitation of the affected people. n

LENDING� A� HELPING� HAND:� The� PRC� Gilgit-Baltistan� Branch�distributes� CGI� sheets,� sleeping� bags,� oil� and� wooden� stoves,�water� cans� and� other� items� among� 31� disaster-hit� families� of�Oshkandas�village.

SPEEDY�RELIEF:�The�PRC�Khyber�Pakhtunkhwa�Branch�distributes�CGI�sheets,�tarpaulins,�mosquito�nets,�blankets,�hygiene�kits�and�other�necessary�items�among�the�residents�of�Shershal�affected�by�an�avalanche.

It�never�rains,�but�it�pours!

Like�the�northwestern�parts�of�the�country,�the�southwestern�part�‒�Balochistan�‒�also�received�torrential�rains�and�3-4�foot�snowfall�in�January�this�year.�As�a�result,�mercury�plummeted�below�freezing�point�in�many�areas.�Flood�protection�walls,�electric�polls�and�major�roads�were�damaged�at�various�locations�while�in�some�areas�roofs�came�crashing�down,�injuring�many�people.�In�Kharan�district�two�persons�were�killed�and�many�injured�seriously.

Crescent News

Snowfall in the country's high-altitude areas has always been an attraction for people. As the winter begins to dump tons and tons of snow, tourists from all parts of the country make a beeline for these areas.

A feeling of euphoria hangs in the air, with the roads chock-a-block with trafc and crowds of giggling revelers enjoying themselves to their heart's content by tossing snowballs at each other.

This is the bright side of the picture, but the heavily negative and painful side of this picture is that snowfall and rain make the locals' lives a misery until it thaws and the ice and snow melt slowly into water that cascades down the hill into ravines and streams and nally into the rivers.

Rain and snowfall cut the people of these areas off from the rest of the country.

As a result, supplies by road come to a grinding halt, causing shortage of food, fuel (gas, petrol, LPG) and dozens of items of daily use.

Shortage of edibles and other necessary items exposes the locals to a new wave of price hike.

Sometimes, strong winds blow tree limbs into power lines, causing them to spark and eventually snap. So, in the given circumstances the difculties of the people of these areas are too

huge to tackle.Like the northwestern parts of the country,

the southwestern part – Balochistan – also received torrential rains and 3-4 foot snowfall in January (17-22) this year. As a result, mercury plummeted below the freezing point in many areas.

In several areas, infrastructure was seriously damaged and roofs and buildings came crashing down. Major link roads also got badly damaged, leaving scores of people stranded.

Sixty-thousand families were affected while 13 people were killed and 650 injured in different areas.

Flood protection walls, electric polls and roads were damaged at various locations in the district according to a report prepared by the control room established at the Chief Secretary's o f c e . T h e p r e v i o u s r e c o r d s p a l e i n t o insignicance compared with rain and snowfall received this year.

In order to assess the s ituation for distribution of relief, the Pakistan Red Crescent, Balochistan Branch, deployed ve teams in Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat Mastung and Kharan districts on Jan 15.

As per information provided by the district government and PDMA Balochistan the above-mentioned districts were the worst affected.

The branch distributed food and non-food

items (NFIs) among 1,000 affected families in Kharan district with the coordination of 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 in Zhob, Harnai, Kalat, Khuzdar and Ziarat districts. The situation was very disturbing in Pishin, Ziarat and Kalat districts.

The branch distributed 1,000 sleeping bags, 1,000 blankets, 1,000 packs of biscuit, 1,000 packs of juice and 1,000 bottles of water to 1,000 people in Mastung and Lakpass.

In Kharan two persons were killed and 35, 10, 07, 30 and 05 injured in Kharan, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat respectively.

In Kharan 200 and 800, in Mastung 50 and 200, in Kalat 30 and 220, in Pishin 60 and 690, and in Ziarat 10 and 240 houses were fully and partially damaged respectively.

The branch also rescued people stranded in rain-hit slum areas near Shahbaz Town, Quetta and handed them essential items including blankets and sleeping bags.

Under the supervision of Secretary PRC Balochistan Branch Dr. Imran Khan, a team reached the slums and shifted around 12 families to safer locations.

Deputy Director Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Naveed Ahmed Sheikh and Assistant Commissioner Quetta Munir were also present on the occasion. n

DAMAGE� ASSESSMENT:� The� PRC� Balochistan� team� visits� different� families� in� Ziarat� to� make� an�assessment� of� their� immediate� needs� after� the� January� snowfall� broke� all� the� previous� records,�bringing�life�to�a�virtual�standstill.

LOGISTIC�SUPPORT:�The�Pakistan�Army�Aviation�Wing�carries�relief�items�donated�by� the�PRC�Balochistan�and�Provincial�Disaster�Management�Authority� for� the�stranded�people�of�Kalat�and�Mastung.

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�snowfall.

It�never�rains,�but�it�pours!

Like�the�northwestern�parts�of�the�country,�the�southwestern�part�‒�Balochistan�‒�also�received�torrential�rains�and�3-4�foot�snowfall�in�January�this�year.�As�a�result,�mercury�plummeted�below�freezing�point�in�many�areas.�Flood�protection�walls,�electric�polls�and�major�roads�were�damaged�at�various�locations�while�in�some�areas�roofs�came�crashing�down,�injuring�many�people.�In�Kharan�district�two�persons�were�killed�and�many�injured�seriously.

Crescent News

Snowfall in the country's high-altitude areas has always been an attraction for people. As the winter begins to dump tons and tons of snow, tourists from all parts of the country make a beeline for these areas.

A feeling of euphoria hangs in the air, with the roads chock-a-block with trafc and crowds of giggling revelers enjoying themselves to their heart's content by tossing snowballs at each other.

This is the bright side of the picture, but the heavily negative and painful side of this picture is that snowfall and rain make the locals' lives a misery until it thaws and the ice and snow melt slowly into water that cascades down the hill into ravines and streams and nally into the rivers.

Rain and snowfall cut the people of these areas off from the rest of the country.

As a result, supplies by road come to a grinding halt, causing shortage of food, fuel (gas, petrol, LPG) and dozens of items of daily use.

Shortage of edibles and other necessary items exposes the locals to a new wave of price hike.

Sometimes, strong winds blow tree limbs into power lines, causing them to spark and eventually snap. So, in the given circumstances the difculties of the people of these areas are too

huge to tackle.Like the northwestern parts of the country,

the southwestern part – Balochistan – also received torrential rains and 3-4 foot snowfall in January (17-22) this year. As a result, mercury plummeted below the freezing point in many areas.

In several areas, infrastructure was seriously damaged and roofs and buildings came crashing down. Major link roads also got badly damaged, leaving scores of people stranded.

Sixty-thousand families were affected while 13 people were killed and 650 injured in different areas.

Flood protection walls, electric polls and roads were damaged at various locations in the district according to a report prepared by the control room established at the Chief Secretary's o f c e . T h e p r e v i o u s r e c o r d s p a l e i n t o insignicance compared with rain and snowfall received this year.

In order to assess the s ituation for distribution of relief, the Pakistan Red Crescent, Balochistan Branch, deployed ve teams in Pishin, Ziarat, Kalat Mastung and Kharan districts on Jan 15.

As per information provided by the district government and PDMA Balochistan the above-mentioned districts were the worst affected.

The branch distributed food and non-food

items (NFIs) among 1,000 affected families in Kharan district with the coordination of 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 in Zhob, Harnai, Kalat, Khuzdar and Ziarat districts. The situation was very disturbing in Pishin, Ziarat and Kalat districts.

The branch distributed 1,000 sleeping bags, 1,000 blankets, 1,000 packs of biscuit, 1,000 packs of juice and 1,000 bottles of water to 1,000 people in Mastung and Lakpass.

In Kharan two persons were killed and 35, 10, 07, 30 and 05 injured in Kharan, Mastung, Kalat, Pishin and Ziarat respectively.

In Kharan 200 and 800, in Mastung 50 and 200, in Kalat 30 and 220, in Pishin 60 and 690, and in Ziarat 10 and 240 houses were fully and partially damaged respectively.

The branch also rescued people stranded in rain-hit slum areas near Shahbaz Town, Quetta and handed them essential items including blankets and sleeping bags.

Under the supervision of Secretary PRC Balochistan Branch Dr. Imran Khan, a team reached the slums and shifted around 12 families to safer locations.

Deputy Director Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Naveed Ahmed Sheikh and Assistant Commissioner Quetta Munir were also present on the occasion. n

DAMAGE� ASSESSMENT:� The� PRC� Balochistan� team� visits� different� families� in� Ziarat� to� make� an�assessment� of� their� immediate� needs� after� the� January� snowfall� broke� all� the� previous� records,�bringing�life�to�a�virtual�standstill.

LOGISTIC�SUPPORT:�The�Pakistan�Army�Aviation�Wing�carries�relief�items�donated�by� the�PRC�Balochistan�and�Provincial�Disaster�Management�Authority� for� the�stranded�people�of�Kalat�and�Mastung.

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�snowfall.

When�minutes�count,we�reach�there�firstBy AFTAB MADNI &

ALI RAZA MUKHTAR

February witnessed a new wave of suicide bombings in different parts of the country claiming the lives of over 100 innocent people.

Being the leading humanitarian organization, the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) reached the crime scenes with ambulances, RFL staff and volunteers, providing rst-aid to the injured and shifting the dead and the injured to different hospitals.

Here are the details of efforts made by the PRC staff and vonteers:

Lal� Shahbaz� Qalandar� Shrine�blast: On February 16, a bomber blew himself up at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh killing 83 devotees and injuring over 300.

Soon after the tragedy, the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) emergency response teams, including over 50 volunteers and staff of Jamshoro branch, rushed to the scene with three ambulances and shifted the dead and the injured devotees to hospitals.

First-aid was also provided to over

The�PRC�Punjab�branch�staff�and�volunteers�The�PRC�Punjab�branch�staff�and�volunteers�rushed�to�the�site�of�Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�blast�rushed�to�the�site�of�Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�blast�and�shifted�eight�bodies�and�injured�people�to�and�shifted�eight�bodies�and�injured�people�to�

different�hospitals.�First-aid�and�RFL�services�were�different�hospitals.�First-aid�and�RFL�services�were�also�provided�to�23�victims.�Thirty�blood�bags�also�provided�to�23�victims.�Thirty�blood�bags�were�immediately�arranged�for�the�injured.were�immediately�arranged�for�the�injured.

The�PRC�Punjab�branch�staff�and�volunteers�rushed�to�the�site�of�Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�blast�and�shifted�eight�bodies�and�injured�people�to�

different�hospitals.�First-aid�and�RFL�services�were�also�provided�to�23�victims.�Thirty�blood�bags�were�immediately�arranged�for�the�injured.

60 injured devotees.The Restoring Family Links (RFL) ofcers from

Hyderabad, Sehwan and Karachi helped and guided the families of the victims.

The teams also collected human body parts and shifted them to hospitals together with other emergency responders.

Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�bombing: On February 13, a suicide blast took place at the Chairing Cross on the Mall, Lahore claiming lives of 13 people and injuring over 85. The suicide attack took place when high-ranking police ofcials and pharmacists were busy negotiating to end the strike.

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 hospitals provided rst-aid and Restoring Family Link (RFL) services to 23 victims. Thirty blood bags were also donated for the injured patients.

Attack� on� judges'� vehicle� in� Peshawar:�On Feb 15, a suicide bomber targeted a judges' vehicle in Peshawar. One man was killed. The PRC emergency 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 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 child and a lawyer, were killed.

The PRC volunteers and staff quickly responded to the attack and provided rst-aid to nine injured people and shifted three bodies to the hospital.

Defence,� Lahore� explosion:�On February 23, eight people were killed and over 20 injured when a powerful explosion ripped through an under-construction building in Lahore's busy Defence Y Block Market.

Soon after the explosion, the PRC staff and volunteers rushed to the site with two ambulances and shifted seven injured people to hospitals.

First-aid, psychosocial support and free phone call service was also provided to 22 victims.

Mohmand�Agency�Headquarters�bombing: On Feb 15, ve people, including three security forces personnel were martyred, while many others were injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate of Mohmand Agency Headquarters in Ghalanai.

Two suicide bombers were on a motorbike. One blew himself up while the other was killed by the security forces.

Soon after the blast, the PRC Mohmand Agency CDRT & ADRT volunteers under the leadership of Secretary PRC Mohmand Fauzee Khan rushed to the Agency Headquarters and shifted the dead and injured personnel to the Agency Headquarters Hospital. First-aid was also provided to the injured people besides donating blood for the victims. n

Over�50�volunteers�and�trained�staff�of�the�PRC�Jamshoro�Branch�reached�the�Lal�Shahbaz�Qalandar�Shrine�with�three�

ambulances�soon�after�the�suicide�bombing�and�shifted�the�dead�and�the�injured�

devotees�to�hospitals.�First-aid�was�also�provided�to�over�60�injured�people.

Bomb�blasts/suicide�bombings

RISING�TO�THE�OCCASION:�The�PRC�Mohmand�Agency�branch�shifts�the�victims�of�a� suicide�attack�at� the�Agency�Headquarters�Ghalanai� to� the�Agency�Headquarters�Hospital.

SHARING�THE�BURDEN:�The�PRC�trained�volunteers�tend�to�an� injured�devotee�at�the�Emergency�Headquarters�Taluqa�Hospital,�Sehwan�Sharif�while�doctors�and�paramedics�are�busy�handling�critical�cases.

TAKING�DOWN�NOTES:�A�PRC�trained�volunteer�takes�down�notes�during�his�visit�to�the�ICU�of�Benazir�Bhutto�Trauma�Centre,�Civil�Hospital,�Karachi.

When�minutes�count,we�reach�there�firstBy AFTAB MADNI &

ALI RAZA MUKHTAR

February witnessed a new wave of suicide bombings in different parts of the country claiming the lives of over 100 innocent people.

Being the leading humanitarian organization, the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) reached the crime scenes with ambulances, RFL staff and volunteers, providing rst-aid to the injured and shifting the dead and the injured to different hospitals.

Here are the details of efforts made by the PRC staff and vonteers:

Lal� Shahbaz� Qalandar� Shrine�blast: On February 16, a bomber blew himself up at the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Shrine in Sehwan Sharif, Sindh killing 83 devotees and injuring over 300.

Soon after the tragedy, the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) emergency response teams, including over 50 volunteers and staff of Jamshoro branch, rushed to the scene with three ambulances and shifted the dead and the injured devotees to hospitals.

First-aid was also provided to over

The�PRC�Punjab�branch�staff�and�volunteers�The�PRC�Punjab�branch�staff�and�volunteers�rushed�to�the�site�of�Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�blast�rushed�to�the�site�of�Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�blast�and�shifted�eight�bodies�and�injured�people�to�and�shifted�eight�bodies�and�injured�people�to�

different�hospitals.�First-aid�and�RFL�services�were�different�hospitals.�First-aid�and�RFL�services�were�also�provided�to�23�victims.�Thirty�blood�bags�also�provided�to�23�victims.�Thirty�blood�bags�were�immediately�arranged�for�the�injured.were�immediately�arranged�for�the�injured.

The�PRC�Punjab�branch�staff�and�volunteers�rushed�to�the�site�of�Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�blast�and�shifted�eight�bodies�and�injured�people�to�

different�hospitals.�First-aid�and�RFL�services�were�also�provided�to�23�victims.�Thirty�blood�bags�were�immediately�arranged�for�the�injured.

60 injured devotees.The Restoring Family Links (RFL) ofcers from

Hyderabad, Sehwan and Karachi helped and guided the families of the victims.

The teams also collected human body parts and shifted them to hospitals together with other emergency responders.

Chairing�Cross,�Lahore�bombing: On February 13, a suicide blast took place at the Chairing Cross on the Mall, Lahore claiming lives of 13 people and injuring over 85. The suicide attack took place when high-ranking police ofcials and pharmacists were busy negotiating to end the strike.

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 hospitals provided rst-aid and Restoring Family Link (RFL) services to 23 victims. Thirty blood bags were also donated for the injured patients.

Attack� on� judges'� vehicle� in� Peshawar:�On Feb 15, a suicide bomber targeted a judges' vehicle in Peshawar. One man was killed. The PRC emergency 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 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 child and a lawyer, were killed.

The PRC volunteers and staff quickly responded to the attack and provided rst-aid to nine injured people and shifted three bodies to the hospital.

Defence,� Lahore� explosion:�On February 23, eight people were killed and over 20 injured when a powerful explosion ripped through an under-construction building in Lahore's busy Defence Y Block Market.

Soon after the explosion, the PRC staff and volunteers rushed to the site with two ambulances and shifted seven injured people to hospitals.

First-aid, psychosocial support and free phone call service was also provided to 22 victims.

Mohmand�Agency�Headquarters�bombing: On Feb 15, ve people, including three security forces personnel were martyred, while many others were injured when a suicide bomber detonated himself at the main gate of Mohmand Agency Headquarters in Ghalanai.

Two suicide bombers were on a motorbike. One blew himself up while the other was killed by the security forces.

Soon after the blast, the PRC Mohmand Agency CDRT & ADRT volunteers under the leadership of Secretary PRC Mohmand Fauzee Khan rushed to the Agency Headquarters and shifted the dead and injured personnel to the Agency Headquarters Hospital. First-aid was also provided to the injured people besides donating blood for the victims. n

Over�50�volunteers�and�trained�staff�of�the�PRC�Jamshoro�Branch�reached�the�Lal�Shahbaz�Qalandar�Shrine�with�three�

ambulances�soon�after�the�suicide�bombing�and�shifted�the�dead�and�the�injured�

devotees�to�hospitals.�First-aid�was�also�provided�to�over�60�injured�people.

Bomb�blasts/suicide�bombings

RISING�TO�THE�OCCASION:�The�PRC�Mohmand�Agency�branch�shifts�the�victims�of�a� suicide�attack�at� the�Agency�Headquarters�Ghalanai� to� the�Agency�Headquarters�Hospital.

SHARING�THE�BURDEN:�The�PRC�trained�volunteers�tend�to�an� injured�devotee�at�the�Emergency�Headquarters�Taluqa�Hospital,�Sehwan�Sharif�while�doctors�and�paramedics�are�busy�handling�critical�cases.

TAKING�DOWN�NOTES:�A�PRC�trained�volunteer�takes�down�notes�during�his�visit�to�the�ICU�of�Benazir�Bhutto�Trauma�Centre,�Civil�Hospital,�Karachi.

By�NAVEED�AKHTAR�AWAN

Union Council Sarli Sacha is situated in Patikka Tehsil of Muzaffarabad district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) opposite the main Neelum Highway.

The UC has 10 villages connected through narrow and often dangerous foot-tracks.

The area is partly situated in the Red Zone and is highly vulnerable to quakes. Most families have been living in quake-proof houses since the 2005 devastating quake.

In addition to quakes, the UC is also exposed to different environmental threats like ash oods, landslides,

w i n d s t o r m s , a v a l a n c h e s , f o r e s t degradation etc.

The most prevalent health risks in the U C a r e d i a r r h e a , s c a b i e s , a c u t e re spirato ry in fe ct io n (AR I ) an d pneumonia, which especially affect infants and children under ve.

These hazards are closely linked to the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) situation.

Although many water facilities were constructed after the 2005 quake, most of them have not been maintained and are out of joint. The mother, newborn and child health (MNCH) situation in the UC is also in bad shape.

Though the UC had received support from other stakeholders to address some

of these hazards, no trained disaster management teams or preparedness plans were in place.

Given these problems, the Pakistan Red Crescent in partnership with the Danish Red Crescent (DRC) and Austra l ian Red Crescent (ARC) l a u n c h e d a v e - y e a r ( A u g u s t 2012–December 2017) Community B a s e d D i s a s t e r R i s k R e d u c t i o n (CBDRR) program in the area.

The program has addressed a broad spectrum of risks and vulnerabilities facing the communities and developed their resilience.

The program focused on joint planning, coordination, capacity-b u i l d i n g a n d m a n a g e m e n t o f

Strengthening�communities�

at�home

Community�resilience

A�total�of�17,077�locals,�A�total�of�17,077�locals,�including�8,795�males�and�including�8,795�males�and�

8,282�females,�have�benefitted8,282�females,�have�benefitted

A�total�of�17,077�locals,�including�8,795�males�and�

8,282�females,�have�benefittedcommunity-based disaster risk reduction initiatives.

Eight district, ve technical and four National Program Steering Committee meetings were held at Muzaffarabad and the PRC National Headquarters (NHQ), Islamabad respectively.

The stakeholders including the NHQ, AJK State branch, DRC, Local Government and Rural Development Department, District Health Department (DHD), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Department o f Forests (DoF) participated in these meetings.

After detailed discussions, decisions were taken and plans implemented accordingly. Formal MoUs were also signed between the stakeholders. n

Achievements�at�a�glanceRegistration� of� volunteers: Identication 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.Innovative awareness raising approach, including text and voice mobile

messages on disaster risk reduction (DRR), WASH and MNCH, was

addressed.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, benetting 1,214 households.Plantation: In eight villages, 15,083 saplings of Robinia, Ailanthus, Pine, Kel and Ipple ipple, certied 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 benet 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 Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST). A total of

359 community members/WASH forum members, including 215 males and

144 females), were trained.Training� in�MNCH: A total of 367 people, including 153 males and 214 females, were trained in MNCH in 15 training events.Series of meetings were held with the District Health Department (DHD) to

discuss different clauses of the MoU already signed between the PRCS AJK

Branch and the District Health Department.In order to attain maximum coordination and collaboration with the health

department, meetings were held at the eld level by involving the staff of two

BHUs in the union council.All these meetings were aimed at ensuring better service delivery in the health

sector to the communities.A Health Management Committee was constituted in the area to ensure

sustainability of health sector interventions.In coordination with the DHD, the program has brought marked improvement

in maternal and child health care access, awareness and practices.Few of important activities accomplished in this context are celebration of

the World Health Day, MNCH week, 5-day refresher training course on

MNCH for LHW/Vs based in the program area, 3-day refresher training

course on LHWs manual and provision of LHW kits and BHU equipment in

the union council.

By�NAVEED�AKHTAR�AWAN

Union Council Sarli Sacha is situated in Patikka Tehsil of Muzaffarabad district of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) opposite the main Neelum Highway.

The UC has 10 villages connected through narrow and often dangerous foot-tracks.

The area is partly situated in the Red Zone and is highly vulnerable to quakes. Most families have been living in quake-proof houses since the 2005 devastating quake.

In addition to quakes, the UC is also exposed to different environmental threats like ash oods, landslides,

w i n d s t o r m s , a v a l a n c h e s , f o r e s t degradation etc.

The most prevalent health risks in the U C a r e d i a r r h e a , s c a b i e s , a c u t e re spirato ry in fe ct io n (AR I ) an d pneumonia, which especially affect infants and children under ve.

These hazards are closely linked to the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) situation.

Although many water facilities were constructed after the 2005 quake, most of them have not been maintained and are out of joint. The mother, newborn and child health (MNCH) situation in the UC is also in bad shape.

Though the UC had received support from other stakeholders to address some

of these hazards, no trained disaster management teams or preparedness plans were in place.

Given these problems, the Pakistan Red Crescent in partnership with the Danish Red Crescent (DRC) and Austra l ian Red Crescent (ARC) l a u n c h e d a v e - y e a r ( A u g u s t 2012–December 2017) Community B a s e d D i s a s t e r R i s k R e d u c t i o n (CBDRR) program in the area.

The program has addressed a broad spectrum of risks and vulnerabilities facing the communities and developed their resilience.

The program focused on joint planning, coordination, capacity-b u i l d i n g a n d m a n a g e m e n t o f

Strengthening�communities�

at�home

Community�resilience

A�total�of�17,077�locals,�A�total�of�17,077�locals,�including�8,795�males�and�including�8,795�males�and�

8,282�females,�have�benefitted8,282�females,�have�benefitted

A�total�of�17,077�locals,�including�8,795�males�and�

8,282�females,�have�benefittedcommunity-based disaster risk reduction initiatives.

Eight district, ve technical and four National Program Steering Committee meetings were held at Muzaffarabad and the PRC National Headquarters (NHQ), Islamabad respectively.

The stakeholders including the NHQ, AJK State branch, DRC, Local Government and Rural Development Department, District Health Department (DHD), State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and Department o f Forests (DoF) participated in these meetings.

After detailed discussions, decisions were taken and plans implemented accordingly. Formal MoUs were also signed between the stakeholders. n

Achievements�at�a�glanceRegistration� of� volunteers: Identication 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.Innovative awareness raising approach, including text and voice mobile

messages on disaster risk reduction (DRR), WASH and MNCH, was

addressed.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, benetting 1,214 households.Plantation: In eight villages, 15,083 saplings of Robinia, Ailanthus, Pine, Kel and Ipple ipple, certied 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 benet 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 Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST). A total of

359 community members/WASH forum members, including 215 males and

144 females), were trained.Training� in�MNCH: A total of 367 people, including 153 males and 214 females, were trained in MNCH in 15 training events.Series of meetings were held with the District Health Department (DHD) to

discuss different clauses of the MoU already signed between the PRCS AJK

Branch and the District Health Department.In order to attain maximum coordination and collaboration with the health

department, meetings were held at the eld level by involving the staff of two

BHUs in the union council.All these meetings were aimed at ensuring better service delivery in the health

sector to the communities.A Health Management Committee was constituted in the area to ensure

sustainability of health sector interventions.In coordination with the DHD, the program has brought marked improvement

in maternal and child health care access, awareness and practices.Few of important activities accomplished in this context are celebration of

the World Health Day, MNCH week, 5-day refresher training course on

MNCH for LHW/Vs based in the program area, 3-day refresher training

course on LHWs manual and provision of LHW kits and BHU equipment in

the union council.

Together�we�can�move�mountainsPanellists emphasized gender equality and women rights and empowerment during an event organized by the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) on the International Women's Day under the theme “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” at the National Headquarters here.

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).

The managers of aforesaid programs enlightened the participants on how the PRC was rendering its humanitarian services to vulnerable people in Pakistan in line with its seven principles of “humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.”

The brieng was followed by a panel discussion attended by Chairperson Pakistan Girls Guide Association Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Humera Hussain, Hadia Aziz and Riffat Haq.

The panellists said the world of work was changing, with signicant implications for women.“On the one hand, we have globalization, technological and digital revolution and opportunities they bring,

on the other we are facing growing informality of labour, unstable livelihoods and incomes, new scal and trade policies and environmental impacts — all of which must be addressed in the context of women's economic empowerment.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PRC Dr. Saeed Elahi said the Women Forum will address the specic needs of Pakistani women and girls in times of natural and man-made disasters.

He said provision of psycho-social referral services was an exceptional step taken by the PRC to address the needs of vulnerable women all over the country.

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation on behalf of the Pakistan Red Crescent to all those who have contributed towards promoting the human rights of women in their personal or institutional capacities, and to all those courageous women and men who continue to work for empowerment and well-being of the women of Pakistan”, he added.

Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan said the PRC remained committed to empowerment of women. He said the Women Forum was the right platform where women can make full use of their potentials.

“In the past two decades, women have made a remarkable contribution to the country's economic progress which has actually resulted in narrowing down gender gaps in literacy, legal rights, political participation and service sector employment”, he added.

Later, Dr Saeed Elahi distributed shields among the panellists.Chairperson Women Forum Pakistan Red Crescent Saiqa Raziq, Program Ofcer Regional Blood Centre Dr

Wasifa Mohtasim, First-Aid Program Ofcer Dr. Amna Khan, members of Women Forum and Pakistan Girl Guides Association, lawyers, health-care professionals, volunteers and the civil society representatives attended the event.

Highlights�of�panel�discussionHumaira Hussain, a development professional, shared her personal story and the

challenges she faced as a woman from South Punjab.She decided to step out of the stereotypical profession expected of females such as a

doctor/teacher and pursue her career as a development professional.Ms Hadia Aziz, Advocate Supreme Court, shared her journey of pursuing a career in a

predominantly male-oriented profession. Women rst have to recognize their rights as citizens, and that they too have an equal

right to pursue career in a profession of their choosing, she said.As women are usually pampered by families, they are usually not the decision makers,

making them hesitant in their professional lives. We should aim and have the capacity to lead organizations, she added.

Professor Riffat Haq narrated her personal story of success, working as head of Gender and Equality Studies at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).

She attributed her success to her mother's determination to educate her children, regardless of gender.

She said family support could lead any woman to success. Riffat faced the pressure of pursuing a career in medicine; but she chose to graduate in history. She did her M. Phil with distinction and nally PhD from Australia with the support of her family.

Nuzhat Sadiq lists her mother-in-law as her inspiration, and says she's the one who inspired her to pursue social work.

Her career was supported by her husband and in-laws all along. Though at times she could not spend as much time with her family, she's able to achieve personal gratication by the support of her family. She ultimately made it to the Senate.

Q&A�SessionA participant questioned Senator Nuzhat and the PRC about the steps taken to

include disabled persons, especially females, in the workplace.Another participant commented that “disabled” was an obsolete term and it should be

replaced with “persons with different abilities”.Senator Nuzhat Sadiq said efforts were afoot to introduce a quota to incorporate

females with different abilities and in a few cases disabled persons were offered jobs.Ms Saiqa said under the umbrella of Women Forum, a workshop/activity specically

pertaining to women with disabilities was in the pipeline. n

Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030

“

“

Together�we�can�move�mountainsPanellists emphasized gender equality and women rights and empowerment during an event organized by the Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) on the International Women's Day under the theme “Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030” at the National Headquarters here.

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).

The managers of aforesaid programs enlightened the participants on how the PRC was rendering its humanitarian services to vulnerable people in Pakistan in line with its seven principles of “humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.”

The brieng was followed by a panel discussion attended by Chairperson Pakistan Girls Guide Association Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, Humera Hussain, Hadia Aziz and Riffat Haq.

The panellists said the world of work was changing, with signicant implications for women.“On the one hand, we have globalization, technological and digital revolution and opportunities they bring,

on the other we are facing growing informality of labour, unstable livelihoods and incomes, new scal and trade policies and environmental impacts — all of which must be addressed in the context of women's economic empowerment.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman PRC Dr. Saeed Elahi said the Women Forum will address the specic needs of Pakistani women and girls in times of natural and man-made disasters.

He said provision of psycho-social referral services was an exceptional step taken by the PRC to address the needs of vulnerable women all over the country.

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations and deepest appreciation on behalf of the Pakistan Red Crescent to all those who have contributed towards promoting the human rights of women in their personal or institutional capacities, and to all those courageous women and men who continue to work for empowerment and well-being of the women of Pakistan”, he added.

Secretary General Ghulam Muhammad Awan said the PRC remained committed to empowerment of women. He said the Women Forum was the right platform where women can make full use of their potentials.

“In the past two decades, women have made a remarkable contribution to the country's economic progress which has actually resulted in narrowing down gender gaps in literacy, legal rights, political participation and service sector employment”, he added.

Later, Dr Saeed Elahi distributed shields among the panellists.Chairperson Women Forum Pakistan Red Crescent Saiqa Raziq, Program Ofcer Regional Blood Centre Dr

Wasifa Mohtasim, First-Aid Program Ofcer Dr. Amna Khan, members of Women Forum and Pakistan Girl Guides Association, lawyers, health-care professionals, volunteers and the civil society representatives attended the event.

Highlights�of�panel�discussionHumaira Hussain, a development professional, shared her personal story and the

challenges she faced as a woman from South Punjab.She decided to step out of the stereotypical profession expected of females such as a

doctor/teacher and pursue her career as a development professional.Ms Hadia Aziz, Advocate Supreme Court, shared her journey of pursuing a career in a

predominantly male-oriented profession. Women rst have to recognize their rights as citizens, and that they too have an equal

right to pursue career in a profession of their choosing, she said.As women are usually pampered by families, they are usually not the decision makers,

making them hesitant in their professional lives. We should aim and have the capacity to lead organizations, she added.

Professor Riffat Haq narrated her personal story of success, working as head of Gender and Equality Studies at the Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU).

She attributed her success to her mother's determination to educate her children, regardless of gender.

She said family support could lead any woman to success. Riffat faced the pressure of pursuing a career in medicine; but she chose to graduate in history. She did her M. Phil with distinction and nally PhD from Australia with the support of her family.

Nuzhat Sadiq lists her mother-in-law as her inspiration, and says she's the one who inspired her to pursue social work.

Her career was supported by her husband and in-laws all along. Though at times she could not spend as much time with her family, she's able to achieve personal gratication by the support of her family. She ultimately made it to the Senate.

Q&A�SessionA participant questioned Senator Nuzhat and the PRC about the steps taken to

include disabled persons, especially females, in the workplace.Another participant commented that “disabled” was an obsolete term and it should be

replaced with “persons with different abilities”.Senator Nuzhat Sadiq said efforts were afoot to introduce a quota to incorporate

females with different abilities and in a few cases disabled persons were offered jobs.Ms Saiqa said under the umbrella of Women Forum, a workshop/activity specically

pertaining to women with disabilities was in the pipeline. n

Women in the Changing World of Work: Planet 50-50 by 2030

“

“

The Youth & Volunteer Department 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. Saeed Elahi , ZamurdKhan, Ghulam M. Awan, Prof Malik Hussain Mubashar, Naveed Malik were in attendance.

Dr. Saeed Elahi opened the session eulogizing the relentless commitment of Sweet Homes faculty to the orphaned children.

Two brief rst-aid and disaster management activities were performed by the talented children previously trained by a PRC team.

The worthy guests were subsequently called upon to share their views, ideas, dreams and efforts for improving the lives of orphaned children and they duly lled the audience in with their words of wisdom. Chief Guest Senator Talha closed the event with an elaborate insight into the issues impeding the welfare of the orphaned children.

Lastly, the PSH patron-in-chief Zamurd Khan lauded the proposal of Y&V Program Manager Sami Ullah Abbasi to conduct a sports week and exposure visit for the Sweet Homes children. At the end, sweet tokens of affection were distributed among the kids by the volunteers of Y&V PRC which they cherished excitedly.

PRC�Y&V�sets�the�bar�high�with�the�Pakistan�Sweet�Homes

There is no doubt that today's children are the bright tomorrow of Pakistan. To highlight this fact, the PRC Youth & Volunteers

participated in a walk along with the civil society, academia, lawyers, media led by Reham Khan.

The walk was joined by hundreds of people who pledged to full their duties for the rights of children. To the joy of PRC Y&V, Reham Khan also expressed her desire to work as the PRC volunteer

Walk�for�a�greater�causeThe Pakistan Red Crescent, Sindh and Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) have s igned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and build up the capacities of Special Olympics athletes in Pakistan.

The MoU is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable people, particularly special children and athletes, in addition to helping each other in training of rst aid, casualty handling and emergency response etc.

The PRC, Sindh Chairperson Mrs. Farzana Naek signed the MoU under which training will be imparted to the SOP athletes in basic health care services like the rst-aid, prevention from HIV, hepatitis, hygiene, basic disaster management etc. Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Iqbal Lakhani said the SOP was an association working for the welfare special persons in Pakistan.

MoU�for�special�athletes�

Crescent�News�Report

Religious leaders are trusted and respected in the communities throughout the world.In many parts of Asia and the Middle East, people turn to

them for guidance on family and personal matters, including decisions about health, education, livelihoods, and roles in the society. The religious leaders along with their well-established networks of volunteers and community groups have the potential to promote and sustain positive changes in social norms, attitudes and behaviors.

The Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) Program of the Pakistan Red Crescent arranged a session on “The 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 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' experiences and expertise, and cultivating relationships that are nurtured between and beyond project.

The Mother, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) is one of the important components of the program. The main objective of the session was to sensitize the participants to health and hygiene issues and to draw their attention to play their role to educate communities about the health and hygiene situation in line with the Islamic teachings.

Topics about the rights of mother, wife and children, birth spacing and its link with the health of the mother and child were elaborated.

Moreover, topics like tooth brushing, bathing and hand-washing also came under discussion.

The religious leaders also thanked the PRC for organizing the session which will surely help them pay special attention to raising awareness of health and hygiene in accordance with the Islamic teachings.

Session�for�religious�leaders�

The Pakistan Red Crescent in collaboration with the Traders Welfare Association organized a one-day free medical camp at the G-11 Markaz.

A team of doctors from Shifa International, Islamabad, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital, Rawalpindi conducted free medical check-ups and gave medicines to over 200 deserving patients, including children.

The team comprised Dr Hashir Pervez, Dr Hassam Rasool, Dr Khushbakht Tanvir, Dr Muhammad Hassan, Dr Nishe Tariq, Dr Mehreen Zafar, Dr Dawood Shah, Dr Junaid and Dr Wasifa Mohtasim.

Blood sugar tests were also conducted at the camp that started at 11am and concluded at 4pm. People volunteered to give blood donations.

Free�medical�camp

Th e P a k i s t a n R e d C r e s c e n t ( P R C ) K h y b e r Pakhtunkhwa Chapter organized a free eye camp in collaboration with Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital (ATEH) where around 2,333 patients were examined.

The camp was set up at the PRC KP Primary Health Care and Maternity Home, Bara Gate, Peshawar.

Free spectacles were provided to 1,376 patients and medicines to 1,231 patients. Similarly, 80 patients, including 43 patients with cataract were referred to the ATEH Rawalpindi, where they would be treated free of cost.

Chairman PRCS KP Lt Gen (R) Mohammed Hamid Khan, Vice Chairperson Ms Azra Jamshed Karim, former three times world squash champion and youth ambassador of PRCS KP Qamar Zaman, members of Managing Committee PRC KP, General Manager ATEH Col (R) Tariq Usman and his team of eye-specialists were also present on the occasion.

PRC�KP�free�eye�camp�

Hygiene;�it's�two�thirds�of�health

The Youth & Volunteer Department 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. Saeed Elahi , ZamurdKhan, Ghulam M. Awan, Prof Malik Hussain Mubashar, Naveed Malik were in attendance.

Dr. Saeed Elahi opened the session eulogizing the relentless commitment of Sweet Homes faculty to the orphaned children.

Two brief rst-aid and disaster management activities were performed by the talented children previously trained by a PRC team.

The worthy guests were subsequently called upon to share their views, ideas, dreams and efforts for improving the lives of orphaned children and they duly lled the audience in with their words of wisdom. Chief Guest Senator Talha closed the event with an elaborate insight into the issues impeding the welfare of the orphaned children.

Lastly, the PSH patron-in-chief Zamurd Khan lauded the proposal of Y&V Program Manager Sami Ullah Abbasi to conduct a sports week and exposure visit for the Sweet Homes children. At the end, sweet tokens of affection were distributed among the kids by the volunteers of Y&V PRC which they cherished excitedly.

PRC�Y&V�sets�the�bar�high�with�the�Pakistan�Sweet�Homes

There is no doubt that today's children are the bright tomorrow of Pakistan. To highlight this fact, the PRC Youth & Volunteers

participated in a walk along with the civil society, academia, lawyers, media led by Reham Khan.

The walk was joined by hundreds of people who pledged to full their duties for the rights of children. To the joy of PRC Y&V, Reham Khan also expressed her desire to work as the PRC volunteer

Walk�for�a�greater�causeThe Pakistan Red Crescent, Sindh and Special Olympics Pakistan (SOP) have s igned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and build up the capacities of Special Olympics athletes in Pakistan.

The MoU is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the most vulnerable people, particularly special children and athletes, in addition to helping each other in training of rst aid, casualty handling and emergency response etc.

The PRC, Sindh Chairperson Mrs. Farzana Naek signed the MoU under which training will be imparted to the SOP athletes in basic health care services like the rst-aid, prevention from HIV, hepatitis, hygiene, basic disaster management etc. Special Olympics Pakistan Chairperson Ronak Iqbal Lakhani said the SOP was an association working for the welfare special persons in Pakistan.

MoU�for�special�athletes�

Crescent�News�Report

Religious leaders are trusted and respected in the communities throughout the world.In many parts of Asia and the Middle East, people turn to

them for guidance on family and personal matters, including decisions about health, education, livelihoods, and roles in the society. The religious leaders along with their well-established networks of volunteers and community groups have the potential to promote and sustain positive changes in social norms, attitudes and behaviors.

The Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction (CBDRR) Program of the Pakistan Red Crescent arranged a session on “The 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 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' experiences and expertise, and cultivating relationships that are nurtured between and beyond project.

The Mother, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH) is one of the important components of the program. The main objective of the session was to sensitize the participants to health and hygiene issues and to draw their attention to play their role to educate communities about the health and hygiene situation in line with the Islamic teachings.

Topics about the rights of mother, wife and children, birth spacing and its link with the health of the mother and child were elaborated.

Moreover, topics like tooth brushing, bathing and hand-washing also came under discussion.

The religious leaders also thanked the PRC for organizing the session which will surely help them pay special attention to raising awareness of health and hygiene in accordance with the Islamic teachings.

Session�for�religious�leaders�

The Pakistan Red Crescent in collaboration with the Traders Welfare Association organized a one-day free medical camp at the G-11 Markaz.

A team of doctors from Shifa International, Islamabad, Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi and Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Hospital, Rawalpindi conducted free medical check-ups and gave medicines to over 200 deserving patients, including children.

The team comprised Dr Hashir Pervez, Dr Hassam Rasool, Dr Khushbakht Tanvir, Dr Muhammad Hassan, Dr Nishe Tariq, Dr Mehreen Zafar, Dr Dawood Shah, Dr Junaid and Dr Wasifa Mohtasim.

Blood sugar tests were also conducted at the camp that started at 11am and concluded at 4pm. People volunteered to give blood donations.

Free�medical�camp

Th e P a k i s t a n R e d C r e s c e n t ( P R C ) K h y b e r Pakhtunkhwa Chapter organized a free eye camp in collaboration with Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital (ATEH) where around 2,333 patients were examined.

The camp was set up at the PRC KP Primary Health Care and Maternity Home, Bara Gate, Peshawar.

Free spectacles were provided to 1,376 patients and medicines to 1,231 patients. Similarly, 80 patients, including 43 patients with cataract were referred to the ATEH Rawalpindi, where they would be treated free of cost.

Chairman PRCS KP Lt Gen (R) Mohammed Hamid Khan, Vice Chairperson Ms Azra Jamshed Karim, former three times world squash champion and youth ambassador of PRCS KP Qamar Zaman, members of Managing Committee PRC KP, General Manager ATEH Col (R) Tariq Usman and his team of eye-specialists were also present on the occasion.

PRC�KP�free�eye�camp�

Hygiene;�it's�two�thirds�of�health

Editor-in-Chief Ghulam Muhammad Awan

Editor KB MajeedCirculation Manager Maqsood Ahmed

Deputy Editor Mehmood AwanDesigner Ghulam Ahmad

Editor (Coord) Rehan AliPhotography Ajabat Shah

Pakistan Red CrescentNational Headquarters, Sector H-8, Islamabad

Ph: 051-9250412 www.prcs.org.pk

Write to useditor@prcs.org.pk

By Dr Amna Khan

The Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) is running its agship First Aid Program in 91 districts of the country.

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 efcient member of the community.

The program has several success stories, quoted not only by the students, but also by teacher, community member, police department, bystanders and women.

Student Nimrah from Chitral says: “My younger brother choked on a coin; I was able to respond with the skill I’d learnt in a session held at my college. I gave him back blows and saved his life.”

Mr Sajid, Principal: The conduct of rst aid session and the World First Aid Day at our school was a matter of privilege for us; the students have benetted a lot from the knowledge and skills imparted.

One of the PRC staff said he became an everyday hero after he was able to save the life of a baby girl when she choked on a piece of food during a marriage ceremony.

Another person said he witnessed a road accident and was able to provide rst aid to the victim, who had fractured his wrist, by immobilizing it. DFAT Islamabad has been able to respond to several injuries in road accidents and save lives.

DFAT Shangla and Mansehra were able to provide rst aid and respond in several emergencies in their local areas.

Ms Hafsa from Ecole School said she was able to provide rst aid to her father who had a heart attack and transported him to hospital providing rst aid she had learnt during a training conducted by the PRC.

The first aid program not only works to impact the masses, but also teaches skills and knowledge to persons, which is disseminated at a wider scale in the community and leads to the enlightenment of community at large. n

By Muhammad Rustam

In order to minimize death or permanent disability on the site of incident and during transportation of patients to an ambulance or a medical faci