ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in collaboration with China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation (CFPA) has initiated the “Panda Pack” distribution project under which 27,000 schoolbags will be distributed among students of government-run schools in different districts across Pakistan.

A ceremony will be held in Islamabad in coming days to start distribution of Panda Packs in schools of Islamabad, Tharparker, Charsada, Dir, Narrowal, Bhawalpur, Zhob, Gwadar and Gilgit Baltistan.

In his statement, PRCS Chairman Abrarul Haq said the economic cooperation between Pakistan and China was fast turning into people-to-people collaboration, adding the distribution of thousands of Panda Packs by PRCS in collaboration with CFPA, is a proof of the growing multi-faceted relations between the two countries.

He said around 62pc population of Pakistan lived in rural areas, where educational facilities are not up to the mark. He said distribution of schoolbags among rural students in different districts, was a highly welcomed initiative. Apart from stationary, lunch box, geometry box, practical books for exercises are being provided in Panda Pack for the benefit of children in rural areas.

“Panda Packs are not just school bags but a ‘package of love’ by China for the people of Pakistan,” he added.

Mr Haq said China had always been on the forefront in helping Pakistan in the time of need.

He said PRCS envisaged a long and productive partnership with the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation to keep carrying out such effective and fruitful ventures in future.

In 2020, under the same initiative, 20,000 schoolbags were distributed among students from grade one to five studying at government schools mostly in rural areas of the federal capital.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2022