PRCS and ICRC Leadership Discuss Growing Humanitarian Challenges

30 January, 2026

PRCS and ICRC Leadership discuss Growing Humanitarian Challenges

Islamabad, 22nd Jan, 2025: The Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) met with the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pakistan, Mr Christoph Sutter, at PRCS NHQ to discuss the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Merged Areas, particularly in district Kurram and Tirah Valley.

During the meeting, Chairperson PRCS Farzhana Naek discussed the ongoing situation with the ICRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan, highlighting the urgent humanitarian needs of the affected communities. She emphasized that the fragile and sensitive nature of the Merged Areas necessitates immediate and coordinated humanitarian assistance to address the growing vulnerabilities of the population. She further added that we value our long-standing partnership with ICRC.

The Head of Delegation of the ICRC in Pakistan, Mr. Christoph Sutter reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthen its relationship with PRCS. He expressed the ICRC’s readiness to step forward and support the PRCS in addressing the emerging humanitarian situation in Tirah district and the Kurram Valley. He further asserted ICRC commitment to supporting the PRCS Merged Areas Branch through the PRCS National Headquarters to effectively respond to the escalating situation. He also commended the PRCS National Headquarters for deploying National Disaster Response Teams (NDRTs) to the affected areas of Kurram and Tirah, describing the initiative as a timely, proactive, and essential measure to respond to urgent humanitarian needs on the ground.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment by PRCS and ICRC to strengthen coordination and partnership efforts, underscoring that it is a collective responsibility to provide timely and life-saving assistance to the affected communities across Pakistan..