ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and the German Red Cross (GRC) marked the culmination of an extraordinary humanitarian journey spanning over four decades at the “Closing and Transition Ceremony” held at the PRCS National Headquarters in Islamabad.
The ceremony commemorated the completion of the German Red Cross Mission in Pakistan and celebrated a historic partnership that has transformed countless lives through disaster response, health services, climate resilience initiatives, water and sanitation projects, anticipatory action, and community development programs.
The event was graced by Her Excellency Ms. Ina Lepel, Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek, and a delegation from German Red Cross Headquarters, Berlin, led by Mr. Marc-André Souvignier, Operations & National Society Cooperation, accompanied by Ms. Susan Stockigt, Head of Asia Unit, and Mr. Cyriakus Bräutigam, Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan. Former and current GRC staff, PRCS officials, volunteers, and community representatives also participated. Head of Delegations of ICRC, IFRC, Turkish Red Crescent, Norwegian Red Cross, in Pakistan also attended the event.
Addressing the gathering, Her Excellency Ms. Ina Lepel highlighted the profound impact of the longstanding partnership between PRCS and GRC, noting that it has delivered life-saving assistance and hope to vulnerable communities across Pakistan. She noted that as Pakistan faces growing climate-related challenges, the collaboration has played a significant role in strengthening preparedness, anticipatory action, and resilience among vulnerable communities. She commended the commitment and dedication of PRCS and GRC staff and volunteers in serving humanity.
Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek expressed gratitude for the steadfast support of the German Red Cross over the past four decades. She said the partnership had significantly strengthened PRCS’s humanitarian response capacity, particularly in disaster management, climate action, health services, and community resilience. Reaffirming PRCS’s commitment to humanitarian service, she emphasized that the strong bond between the two National Societies would continue to benefit vulnerable communities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Marc-André Souvignier said the partnership stands as a powerful example of trust, solidarity, and shared humanitarian values. He highlighted the joint achievements in disaster response, climate action, anticipatory initiatives, and community resilience, while paying tribute to former and current GRC staff for their dedication and contributions. He expressed confidence that cooperation between PRCS and GRC would continue to grow in the future.
German Red Cross Head of Office in Pakistan, Mr. Asif Aman, said that while the GRC office is concluding its mission in Pakistan, the partnership itself remains strong and forward-looking. He described the transition as a new chapter of collaboration driven by a shared commitment to serving vulnerable communities and alleviating human suffering.
In his welcome address, Secretary General PRCS Mr. Muhammad Abaidullah Khan highlighted the achievements of the 43-year partnership and thanked the German Red Cross for its invaluable support in strengthening humanitarian services and community resilience across Pakistan.
Community representatives from Swat and Punjab shared their experiences, highlighting the positive impact of joint PRCS-GRC initiatives in strengthening community infrastructure, preparedness, and resilience.
A cultural role play showcasing the rich traditions of Pakistan and Germany received warm appreciation from participants. The ceremony concluded with the distribution of appreciation certificates among former and current GRC staff in recognition of their dedicated service and lasting humanitarian contributions in Pakistan.
