Punjab Red Crescent Showcases Expanding Humanitarian Services to Media Delegation

By Farzana Chaudhry, Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Punjab chapter of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) highlighted its wide-ranging humanitarian and healthcare services during a special visit by a delegation of the Pakistan Media Writers Club to its provincial headquarters and welfare facilities.

The visit was conducted under the vision and directives of PRCS Punjab Chairman Mian Muhammad Hanif (Sitara-e-Imtiaz). The media delegation was hosted by Managing Committee members Abdul Majid Chaudhry and Professor Dr. Shaukat Ali, who accompanied the journalists on a tour of various welfare centers and projects operated by the organization.

During a briefing session, Acting Secretary Rao Zaka-ur-Rehman outlined the Red Crescent’s ongoing humanitarian initiatives, infrastructure expansion plans, and community development projects aimed at serving vulnerable populations across Punjab.

The delegation included Pakistan Media Writers Club Chairman Iftikhar Khan, Secretary Nabila Akbar, Visit Coordinator and Editor of the monthly Phool Muhammad Shoaib Mirza, Fazal Hussain Awan, Nadeem Nazar, Shahzad Chaudhry, Syed Badar Saeed, Aqeel Anjum Awan, Salman Hameed Khokhar, Rabia Azmat, Farzana Chaudhry, Iqra Mughal, Asim Latif Chaudhry, Tehzeen Tahir, Dr. Faiza Tariq, Usman Haider, Muhammad Ammar Khan, and others.

Introducing the club, Chairman Iftikhar Khan said the organization strives to communicate the positive contributions and public services of institutions working for social welfare. Muhammad Shoaib Mirza praised the Red Crescent’s humanitarian efforts, particularly its work in blood donation drives and support for children suffering from thalassemia, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness regarding voluntary blood donation.

A key highlight of the visit was the announcement that the Punjab Red Crescent is preserving its more than 100-year-old historic building in its original form and transforming it into a “Red Cross Red Crescent Museum.” The museum is expected to preserve the organization’s century-long humanitarian legacy while serving as an educational and cultural center for future generations.

Managing Committee members Abdul Majid Chaudhry and Professor Dr. Shaukat Ali paid tribute to Chairman Mian Muhammad Hanif, stating that every project undertaken by the Punjab Red Crescent reflects his vision of public service and humanitarian commitment. They reaffirmed the committee’s dedication to implementing welfare initiatives with transparency and efficiency.

Briefing the delegation on healthcare projects, Acting Secretary Rao Zaka-ur-Rehman said the construction of a modern 250-bed wing at the PRCS Teaching Hospital is nearing completion. He added that state-of-the-art CT scan and MRI machines are being installed to bring diagnostic services in line with international standards, while the establishment of dialysis centers also remains a priority.

The media delegation was given an overview of free services provided at the Thalassemia Center, specialized OPD and IPD facilities for the transgender community, the construction of 26 homes in Chiniot for flood-affected families, and the organization’s “Early Action Protocol” designed to mitigate the impact of the monsoon season.

Discussing future initiatives, Rao Zaka-ur-Rehman highlighted a two-month summer mentorship program for university students, aimed at encouraging youth participation in humanitarian and community service activities.

The visiting journalists praised the efforts of the Punjab Red Crescent’s management and administration, describing the organization’s work as a significant contribution to public health, social welfare, and human rights in the province.

At the conclusion of the visit, the Pakistan Media Writers Club presented commemorative shields to Managing Committee members Abdul Majid Chaudhry, Professor Dr. Shaukat Ali, Acting Secretary Rao Zaka-ur-Rehman, and Blood Group In-charge Fawzia Saeed. In return, the Punjab Red Crescent presented appreciation awards to all members of the media delegation in recognition of their role in promoting public awareness and social welfare initiatives.