PRCS, UAJK Strengthen Humanitarian Partnership in Azad Kashmir

Muzaffarabad: (News Desk) – The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJ&K) State Branch and the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) have agreed to strengthen institutional collaboration to promote humanitarian action, youth engagement and community resilience.

The high-level coordination meeting was chaired by UAJK Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak and attended by senior representatives from both institutions to explore opportunities for joint humanitarian and capacity-building initiatives.

The PRCS delegation was led by Secretary Gulzar Fatima, accompanied by Program and Disaster Management Manager Naveed Akhtar Awan, Programme Coordinator Risk Awareness and Safer Behaviour Yasir Arafat Kazmi, and Youth and Volunteer Officer Tahmass Durrani.

Representing UAJK were Director Student Affairs Dr. Naeem, Director Organizational Development Dr. Rehana Kausar, Spokesperson Mubashir Naqvi, along with other senior university officials.

During the meeting, Naveed Akhtar Awan presented an overview of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society’s humanitarian work, highlighting its disaster response, community resilience programmes, volunteer development, risk awareness initiatives and support for vulnerable communities across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Both sides discussed expanding cooperation in youth engagement, volunteer training, disaster risk reduction, first aid education, climate resilience, community preparedness and humanitarian response.

Speaking on the occasion, PRCS AJ&K Secretary Gulzar Fatima said collaboration with academic institutions is essential for developing resilient communities and preparing future humanitarian leaders. She expressed hope that the partnership would equip students and local communities with lifesaving skills while promoting volunteerism and disaster preparedness.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Nasir Jamal Khattak praised the humanitarian services of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to supporting joint initiatives focused on humanitarian values, research, youth development and capacity building.

At the conclusion of the meeting, commemorative shields and souvenirs were exchanged between the two institutions as a symbol of their commitment to strengthening cooperation.

Both organisations agreed to translate their discussions into practical programmes aimed at empowering youth, enhancing community resilience and supporting sustainable humanitarian development across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.