Geneva, Switzerland: The Honorable 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) during her visit to their Headquarters in Geneva. This was her first official visit to Geneva after assuming office as Chairperson of PRCS.
During her visit to the IFRC Headquarters, Mrs. Farzhana Naek met with the IFRC Secretary General, Mr. Jagan Chapagain. The meeting focused on strengthening PRCS’s institutional capacity and enhancing its ability to deliver effective humanitarian services across Pakistan. Mr. Chapagain appreciated the positive organizational transformation taking place under the current PRCS leadership and emphasized the long-term value of these reforms for the National Society.
Discussions also covered resource mobilization and practical approaches to ensure the financial sustainability of PRCS, with the IFRC Secretary General reaffirming IFRC’s continued support to PRCS in achieving its strategic objectives.In a separate engagement, the Chairperson held a virtual meeting with the Director General of ICRC, Mr. Pierre Kraehenbuehl, during her visit to the ICRC Headquarters in Geneva. Mr. Kraehenbuehl commended the progress made by PRCS under Mrs. Naek’s leadership and acknowledged its effective humanitarian outreach across the country.
The discussion focused on deepening collaboration in the Merged Areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with particular attention to Khyber (Tehsil Tirah) and Kurram districts. The ICRC Director General also appreciated the impact and uniqueness of Pakistan’s Restoring Family Links (RFL) programme, recognizing its importance in reconnecting separated families.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek said that the engagements in Geneva provided an important opportunity to align PRCS priorities with Movement partners at the global level. She noted that the discussions with IFRC and ICRC leadership reinforced the shared focus on sustainability, accountability, and practical humanitarian outcomes, and highlighted the importance of strong partnerships in enabling PRCS to respond more effectively to the needs of vulnerable communities across Pakistan.
In addition to meetings with IFRC and ICRC leadership, the Chairperson held detailed discussions with senior officials and global programme heads from both organizations. These interactions covered key thematic areas including innovative financing, climate action, migration, health, disaster response, and strengthening the auxiliary role of PRCS.
The meetings also addressed digitalization, legal and governance frameworks, ethics and accountability, integrated health services, cash assistance, and resilience building, while recognizing PRCS’s strong community presence, volunteer network, and 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 in need across Pakistan.
