rki.news

Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), May 6 – The Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Chapter of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has provided first aid training to more than 70,000 people across Mirpur Division, strengthening community preparedness and emergency response capacity in the region.
Officials said PRCS AJK Chairman Sardar Shafiq Ahmed Khan will also extend financial assistance to 500 families in flood-affected areas as part of ongoing humanitarian support efforts. The initiative reflects expanded relief operations in vulnerable districts of Azad Kashmir.
A three-day Emergency Response Team (ERT) capacity-building workshop was held in Mirpur in collaboration with PRCS AJK and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Twenty emergency responders from Mirpur district participated in the training, held at a local NGO office.
The workshop aimed to strengthen rapid response systems and improve preparedness for accidents and emergency situations. Participants were briefed on the history, principles, and global humanitarian role of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Program Coordinator Yasir Josh delivered detailed training on first aid, including pre-hospital emergency care, burn management, choking response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and hazard awareness, along with mitigation strategies for local risks.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chairman Sardar Shafiq Ahmed Khan said improving local response mechanisms remains the top priority of PRCS. He announced that similar workshops will be held in Bhimber, Kotli, Neelum Valley, and other districts, along with distribution of emergency kits.
He emphasized that disasters are a test of both systems and professional skills, requiring continuous preparedness and training. He also highlighted PRCS services across all districts of Azad Kashmir without discrimination.
Referring to recent floods in Neelum and Muzaffarabad, he said, with support from the Turkish Red Crescent, financial assistance for affected families is being arranged.
He also appreciated the inclusion of female responders in emergency teams, calling it a positive development. Certificates were distributed among trainees at the closing ceremony, which also marked World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day with a cake-cutting event.
NGO Executive Manager Muhammad Suleman praised PRCS initiatives and reaffirmed continued cooperation.