Abrar ul Haq says Turkish Red Crescent has always supported Pakistan Red Crescent Society as a reliable partner in case of any disaster, emergency and provision of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities

ISLAMABAD: /DNA/ – Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and Turkish Red Crescent have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate repatriation of 3000 Pakistanis stranded in Turkey. 

PRCS Chairman Abrar ul Haq and Turkish Red Crescent President Dr Kerem KINK signed the MoU in Turkey. Both dignitaries also exchanged mementos on this occasion. 

As per the agreement signed, PRCS will coordinate with the Turkish Red Crescent, to facilitate repatriation of Pakistanis stranded in Turkey. PRCS in collaboration with TRC, will also provide livelihood and financial assistance to these Pakistanis upon their arrival in Pakistan. This is a first of kind and unique initiative in the history of Pakistan under which the stranded Pakistanis, will be provided livelihood and financial assistance so that they can live a normal life again in Pakistan after their return to their homeland. 

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Abrar ul Haq said that PRCS is serving the suffering humanity to the best of its capability and without any discrimination. He said Turkey has always stood side by side with people of Pakistan through thick and thin. He also paid rich tributes to the TRC for their generous support and long-term partnership with the PRCS in humanitarian interventions in the last decades. “The TRC has always fulfilled its commitment to support PRCS as a reliable partner in case of any disaster, emergency or provision of humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities,” he said. 

Abrar ul Haq said that the PRCS raised the humanitarian concerns of vulnerable Pakistani migrants living abroad, and is in contact with the relevant government authorities to address their situation and their repatriation to Pakistan. 

Speaking on the occasion, Turkish Red Crescent President Dr Kerem KINK said relations between Pakistan and Turkish are time-tested. He said PRCS-TRC relationship has a history spanning over decades. “With each passing day, the cooperation is getting stronger. With signing of this MoU, the bilateral collaboration will get a fresh boost,” he added. 

Later, PRCS delegation led by Chairman Abrar ul Haq visited different departments of TRC including Disaster Management, Logistics, First Aid and Blood Donation and acknowledged the humanitarian efforts being undertaken by TRC. PRCS Secretary General and TRC senior officials were also present on the occasion.