ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has launched its nationwide ‘Red Million Movement’ initiative to mobilize and train one million youth and volunteers, aiming to strengthen humanitarian response and community resilience across Pakistan.
The initiative was launched at the PRCS National Headquarters in Islamabad and focuses on promoting volunteerism, humanitarian values, and emergency preparedness in line with the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives from international humanitarian organizations, including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Norwegian Red Cross, Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and German Red Cross, along with PRCS officials and youth volunteers from across the country.
Initiative Aims to Build Network of Trained Volunteers
Addressing the ceremony, PRCS Chairperson Farzhana Naek described the Red Million Movement as a nationwide effort to encourage citizens, especially young people, to actively participate in humanitarian service.
She said the initiative aims not only to register volunteers but also to provide continuous training and capacity building through National Disaster Response Team (NDRT) programmes and other specialised courses.
The chairperson said the programme will create a network of trained volunteers capable of supporting communities before, during, and after emergencies, while highlighting the importance of collective responsibility in serving vulnerable populations.
“Serving people in need is a sacred responsibility,” she said, adding that the movement would bring together youth, educational institutions, communities, and humanitarian partners.
Volunteers Take Oath for Humanitarian Service
During the ceremony, volunteers took the Volunteer Oath administered by Head of Youth and Volunteer Department Misbah Mushtaq, reaffirming their commitment to humanitarian work and community support.
PRCS Secretary General Muhammad Abaidullah Khan said the Red Million Movement represents a national commitment to developing one million trained and compassionate volunteers.
A documentary highlighting the contributions of PRCS volunteers in disaster response, emergency operations, climate resilience, community awareness campaigns, and humanitarian services was also presented during the event.
Disaster Response Simulation Showcases Emergency Preparedness
The launch ceremony concluded with a National Disaster Response Team (NDRT) Simulation Exercise (SIMEx), organised by the PRCS Disaster Management Department.
The exercise demonstrated emergency response operations, including coordination, deployment, rapid assessments, first aid, relief distribution, cash assistance, mobile health services, and post-distribution monitoring.
PRCS officials and international humanitarian partners appreciated the demonstration, describing trained volunteer networks as a key component of effective disaster management and community resilience.
The Red Million Movement will now expand across Pakistan through volunteer engagement, training programmes, and partnerships aimed at strengthening humanitarian capacity at the grassroots level.
