PRCS and German Red Cross Mark 43 Years of Humanitarian Partnership

13 July, 2026

Press Release

PRCS and German Red Cross Celebrate 43 Years of Humanitarian Partnership at Closing and Transition Ceremony

Islamabad, 16 June 2026: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society and the German Red Cross marked the culmination of an extraordinary humanitarian partnership spanning 43 years during a Closing and Transition Ceremony held at PRCS National Headquarters in Islamabad.

The ceremony celebrated the successful completion of the German Red Cross Mission in Pakistan and recognized a longstanding partnership that has strengthened disaster response, health services, climate resilience, water and sanitation, anticipatory action, and community development across the country.

The event was graced by Ina Lepel, Chairperson PRCS Farzhana Naek, and a delegation from the German Red Cross Headquarters in Berlin led by Marc-André Souvignier, accompanied by Susan Stockigt and Cyriakus Bräutigam. Former and current GRC staff, PRCS officials, volunteers, community representatives, and delegates from the International Committee of the Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Turkish Red Crescent, and Norwegian Red Cross also attended the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Ambassador Ina Lepel highlighted the remarkable humanitarian impact of the PRCS–GRC partnership, noting its contribution to saving lives, strengthening disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and supporting vulnerable communities across Pakistan. She praised the dedication of PRCS and GRC staff and volunteers in advancing humanitarian values.

Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek expressed gratitude for the steadfast support of the German Red Cross over the past four decades. She stated that the partnership had significantly enhanced PRCS's capacity in disaster management, health services, climate action, and community resilience, while reaffirming PRCS’s commitment to continuing humanitarian service.

Speaking on the occasion, Marc-André Souvignier described the partnership as a powerful example of trust, solidarity, and shared humanitarian values. He highlighted the joint achievements of both National Societies and expressed confidence that cooperation would continue beyond the transition.

German Red Cross Head of Office in Pakistan Asif Aman stated that while the GRC office is concluding its mission in Pakistan, the partnership itself remains strong and forward-looking, marking the beginning of a new chapter of humanitarian cooperation.

Earlier, PRCS Secretary General Muhammad Abaidullah Khan welcomed participants and highlighted the achievements of the 43-year partnership, thanking the German Red Cross for its invaluable contribution to strengthening humanitarian services and community resilience throughout Pakistan.

Community representatives from Swat and Punjab shared testimonials on the positive impact of PRCS-GRC initiatives in improving disaster preparedness and resilience. The ceremony also featured a cultural performance celebrating the friendship between Pakistan and Germany and concluded with the presentation of appreciation certificates to former and current GRC staff in recognition of their outstanding humanitarian service.