ISLAMABAD   -  Chairman Pakistan Red Crescent Society Abrar ul Haq has said PRCS volunteers have strong acceptance in communities as they are agents of behavioural change and have always played an effective role during awareness campaigns.

He said this while addressing a ceremony held at the PRCS headquarters here yesterday to mark the 74th anniversary of the founding of the Society.  

Abrar said that from its inception on December 20,1947 till today, the Red Crescent has been serving humanity by adhering to the seven basic principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

He said during tragedies, disasters whether man-made or natural, PRCS acts on the principle of first to reach and last to leave, be it first aid, psychiatric relief or reunification efforts, help in emergencies or role in reconstruction.  

Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Suri, members PRCS Managing Body, Secretary General Dr. Adeel Nawaz, representatives and families of PRCS, ICRC, IFRC, Partner National Societies and volunteers, were among the participants of the ceremony. 

On the occasion, the trained Red Crescent First Aiders gave a practical demonstration of providing first aid during emergencies followed by music performance by local band, which was appreciated by the participants with a round of applause. 

Speaking on the occasion, Qasim Khan Suri said that the Red Crescent has made a name for itself by giving priority to the service of humanity.

A family gala was also arranged at the end of the ceremony. A large number of people from different walks of life mostly women and children, visited the family gala and enjoyed stalls of edible and other items.  

It is pertinent to mention that on December 20, 1947, the Founder of Pakistan, Mr. Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had established the Pakistan Red Crescent under the Act of Parliament.