Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari commended Ambassador Ilsaas for his genuine concern for the people of Pakistan and highlighted the potential of the visit to strengthen ties between the two countries, not only in humanitarian efforts but also in exploring areas of cooperation beyond diplomacy.
Islamabad – Ambassador Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas commended the progress made by PRCS under the leadership of Chairman Laghari, noting the organization’s remarkable nationwide program and strong volunteer base; reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to support PRCS humanitarian efforts.
Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, met Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) at PRCS National Headquarters. During the meeting, Ambassador Ilsaas emphasized the crucial role of the humanitarian service and expressed the joint commitment to advance this effort in Pakistan.
Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas praised the key role of PRCS in alleviating the suffering of vulnerable communities. The meeting delved into various topics, including bilateral relations, programs and initiatives supported by the Norwegian Red Cross and the imperative to strengthen cooperation for the betterment of humanity.
Chairman Laghari provided an insight into PRCS initiatives, particularly its post-flood recovery and reconstruction efforts in Pakistan, and highlighted collaborative programs with the support of the Norwegian Red Cross. These programs include basic health care, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities, water supply systems, mobile health units, deployment of mobile health teams and initiatives targeting vulnerable groups such as children under five and pregnant women.
He also briefed the ambassador on the newly launched cash and voucher assistance service pilot program targeting pregnant and malnourished women in Jamshoro district of Sindh province. In cooperation with the Norwegian Red Cross, PRCS is supporting 1,000 pregnant and malnourished women by providing PKR 109,000 per family for nine months.
President Laghari commended Ambassador Ilsaas for his genuine concern for the people of Pakistan and highlighted the potential of the visit to strengthen ties between the two countries, not only in humanitarian efforts but also in exploring areas of cooperation beyond diplomacy.
He stressed that the PRCS expects continued support from the Government of Norway, especially in the recovery phase after the devastating floods of the 2022 monsoon. Chairman Laghari also expressed a keen desire to strengthen cooperation, especially with the Norwegian Government and the Norwegian Red Cross, to strengthen cooperation in provinces such as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa , merged districts and extend it to other provinces like Sindh and Balochistan.
Ambassador Ilsaas commended the progress that PRCS has made under Chairman Laghari’s leadership, noting the organization’s remarkable nationwide programmatic reach and strong volunteer base. He reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to support PRCS humanitarian efforts. Before that, the Norwegian envoy was informed about various sectors and during the visit he also recorded his impressions in the visitor’s notebook.
In recognition of their shared commitment to humanitarian affairs, President Laghari presented Ambassador Ilsaas with a plaque and souvenir symbolizing the enduring partnership between Norway and Pakistan in advancing these efforts.
