ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Iraq have agreed to strengthen bilateral ties with a special focus on humanitarian collaboration and exploring potential joint initiatives to assist vulnerable communities in both nations.

It was agreed during a meeting of Iraqi ambassador Hamid Abbas Lafta and Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari at the PRCS headquarters.

Chairman Laghari provided an overview of PRCS’s wide-ranging humanitarian efforts across Pakistan, notably emphasising the support extended to millions impacted by the devastating monsoon floods of 2022.

He highlighted the organisation’s ongoing recovery initiatives, including providing shelter, livelihood support, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) services, and cash assistance for flood-affected families.

Ambassador Lafta expressed his delight in visiting PRCS offices and praised the organisation’s impactful work under the leadership of Chairman Laghari, especially during natural disasters and crises.

He reiterated Iraq’s strong commitment to humanitarian causes and expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s support during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the provision of essential medicines and vaccines.

The ambassador emphasised the importance of enhancing collaboration between the PRCS and the Iraq Red Crescent Society, expressing his commitment to facilitating future exchange visits between the two National Societies. He also suggested the possibility of signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to formalise cooperation on various humanitarian projects.

Published in Dawn, September 22nd, 2024