[ISLAMABAD, 8th October, 2024] : A landmark ceremony for signing agreements under the joint collaboration program of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief) took place at a local hotel, signifying a pivotal moment in the delivery of humanitarian services in Pakistan. The event was graced by the presence of Honorable Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, H.E Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, KSRelief Assistant Supervisor General, Engineer Ahmed Ali Al-Beez, Hon. Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, Director General National Commission for Human Development Nasir ud din Mashhood Ahmad, representative from National Disaster Management Authority among others.
During the ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) and KSRelief. The agreement, focused on strengthening humanitarian efforts, capacity building, and enhancing collaboration in training and research, marks a significant step forward in the relationship between the two organizations. Chairman PRCS, Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, and KSRelief Assistant Supervisor General, Engineer Ahmed Ali Al-Beez, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari highlighted the significance of the day for the people of Pakistan, as it coincided with the remembrance of the devastating October 8, 2005 earthquake. He expressed his gratitude to KSRelief for their firm support during the reconstruction phase and acknowledged that today’s agreement brings renewed hope to millions in need.
He further underscored the enduring and robust relationship between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, rooted in shared history, values, and mutual respect. Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari paid tribute to the steadfast support provided by Saudi Arabia during Pakistan’s most challenging times, particularly KSRelief’s steadfast partnership in disaster response and humanitarian aid.
Laghari also reflected on the devastation caused by the 2005 earthquake and the critical role played by national institutions in the recovery process. He highlighted PRCS’s record-breaking support to 2.8 million affected households during the 2022 floods, demonstrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to disaster relief.
H.E. Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, also addressed the gathering, expressing his heartfelt sentiments on the occasion. He remarked, “The bond between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is deeply rooted in a shared history, faith, and unwavering brotherhood. It is a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, and solidarity, especially in times of need. Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan in moments of crisis, whether in the wake of natural disasters or to provide vital humanitarian support.”
He concluded his remarks by expressing optimism for the future of the joint cooperation program between the two countries.
KS Relief Assistant Supervisor General, Engineer Ahmed Ali Al-Beez expressed profound appreciation for government of Pakistan for trust and support, noting that the agreements signed today will open new avenues for deepening bilateral cooperation and humanitarian collaboration between the two countries.