The Pakistan Red Crescent (PRC) Sindh Branch organized a ceremony at Hotel Regent Plaza Karachi on March 01, 2022, to launch the second phase of climate change adaptation program with various stakeholders. The launching ceremony was attended by religious scholars from different sects and representatives of various organizations including reputable and prominent educational & research institutions, welfare and relevant government organizations.
Presiding the ceremony, PRC-Sindh Senior Vice Chairperson Raffique Ahmed Jafferi lauded the cooperation of all stakeholders and participants and stated that following a series of meetings and signing a joint declaration on Climate Change successfully completed the first phase of the project. “Now Pakistan Red crescent is launching the second phase of Climate Change Program”, said Jafferi.
PRC-Sindh Provincial Secretary Kanwar Waseem emphasized that Climate Change is now Pakistan’s most emerging and significant issue, and each of us has a responsibility to do our part to mitigate the effects of climate change for our future generations. Waseem also praised religious scholars for their understanding of the concerns and appreciated them for include relevant Ahadees and Quranic verses on climate change in their khutbahs, which has a significant impact on communities.
Mr. Asif Aman, Head of Office German Red Cross (GRC) in Pakistan, said that in the second phase, we would sensitize stakeholders, volunteers and relevant organizations about the PRCS working in the field of climate change. In addition, PRC-Sindh will expand collaboration and improve networking among climate change actors.
Ms. Iram Ayaz, Program Officer, gave a presentation on the second phase of the Climate Change Program’s planned activities, which included coordination meetings, reviews of sectoral policies and legislation, production of related awareness material, social media campaigns, and engagement of influencers to raise climate change awareness in Pakistan. Additionally, Iram also urged all organizations to strive toward mass tree planting and bolster the government and its relevant departments’ efforts.
Other guests including Professor Abid Raza Irfani, Dr. Sardar Sarfraz, Tanveer-u- Haq Thanvi and Dr. Waqar Ahmed also addressed the participants. All member organizations and participants appreciated the initiative of the Pakistan Red Crescent and pledged to work together on climate change in Pakistan.
