[Islamabad, March 2024]- The Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, His Excellency Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, met with Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) at the PRCS National Headquarters here on Monday. During the meeting, Ambassador Ilsaas emphasized the crucial role of humanitarian service, expressing a shared dedication to advancing such efforts in Pakistan.
Ambassador Per Albert Ilsaas commended PRCS’s pivotal role in alleviating the suffering of vulnerable communities. The meeting delved into various topics including bilateral relations, the programs and initiatives supported by the Norwegian Red Cross and the imperative of enhancing cooperation for the betterment of humanity.
Chairman Laghari provided insights into PRCS’s initiatives, notably its post-flood rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in Pakistan, highlighting collaborative programs with support from the Norwegian Red Cross. These programs encompass basic healthcare, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, water supply schemes, 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 about the newly launched pilot program of Cash and Voucher Assistance, focusing on pregnant and malnourished women in Jamshoro district, Sindh province. In collaboration with the Norwegian Red Cross, PRCS is supporting 1000 pregnant and malnourished women by providing PKR 109,000 per family over a nine-month period.
Chairman Laghari commended Ambassador Ilsaas for his genuine concern for Pakistan’s people and emphasized the visit’s potential to strengthen ties between both countries, not only in humanitarian efforts but also in exploring areas of collaboration beyond diplomacy.
He emphasized PRCS’s anticipation of continued support from the Government of Norway, especially in the recovery phase following the devastating Monsoon 2022 floods. Chairman Laghari also expressed a keen desire to enhance cooperation, particularly with the Norwegian government and the Norwegian Red Cross, with the aim of strengthening collaboration in provinces like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, merged districts, and extending it to other provinces such as Sindh and Balochistan.
Ambassador Ilsaas commended the strides made by PRCS under Chairman Laghari’s guidance, noting the organization’s remarkable countrywide program outreach and robust volunteer base. He reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to supporting PRCS’s humanitarian endeavors. Prior to this, the Norwegian envoy was briefed on various sectors and also recorded his impressions in the visitor’s notebook during his visit.
In appreciation of their shared commitment to humanitarian causes, Chairman Laghari presented Ambassador Ilsaas with a commemorative shield and souvenir symbolizing the enduring partnership between Norway and Pakistan in advancing these efforts.
