First Lady, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, MNA, visited the Headquarters of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in Islamabad and inaugurated the Begum Nusrat Bhutto Library. She also visited the exhibition titled “Humanitarian Journey of PRCS”.
Upon arrival at the PRCS Headquarters, the First Lady was received by Chairperson PRCS, Mrs. Farzhana Naek, and senior officials of the organisation. She was briefed on the humanitarian work, historical role and relief efforts undertaken by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society since its establishment in 1947, including its nationwide volunteer network and youth engagement initiatives.
Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Begum Nusrat Bhutto Library and visited the exhibition showcasing the humanitarian journey of PRCS, including disaster response operations, historical relief activities and longstanding humanitarian initiatives associated with the Bhutto family.
The First Lady also unveiled the commemorative plaque of the newly designated Begum Nusrat Bhutto Library and held a meeting with Chairperson PRCS, Mrs. Farzhana Naek. During the meeting, she was informed that students from universities and educational institutions would benefit from the library facility, while PRCS has also established youth clubs across the country and is running mentorship programmes for young volunteers.
Speaking on the occasion, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari appreciated the humanitarian services being carried out by PRCS and assured her full support in making the organisation more effective and active in serving vulnerable communities. She said that PRCS is playing an important role in the service of humanity and that its humanitarian mission needs to be carried forward with dedication and seriousness.
During the visit, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari recorded her remarks in the Visitors’ Book, stating that she is continuing the legacy of humanitarian service associated with her grandmother, Begum Nusrat Bhutto, her mother, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, and her father, who serves as President of the Society. She also expressed appreciation and best wishes for the Pakistan Red Crescent Society’s continued service to humanity.
Chairperson PRCS Mrs. Farzhana Naek said that the inauguration of the Begum Nusrat Bhutto Library is a tribute to the enduring legacy of compassion, public service and humanitarian leadership of late Begum Nusrat Bhutto. She said that Begum Nusrat Bhutto and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had played an important role in promoting humanitarian values and supporting the mission of PRCS through their engagement with vulnerable communities. She also thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, who is also President of their National Society, for his support. She added that the library would serve as a platform for learning, research and inspiration for youth, volunteers and future humanitarians.
Later, Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari also met with PRCS volunteer children at the Headquarters and appreciated their commitment and participation in humanitarian and community service activities.
Andreas Weissenberg, IFRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan; Mr. Christoph Sutter, ICRC Head of Delegation in Pakistan; Ms Beyza Taner, Head of Delegation Turkish Red Crescent in Pakistan; Mr. Asif Aman Khan, Head of Office, German Red Cross in Pakistan; Dr. Ulugbek Aminov, Head of Delegation, Norwegian Red Cross in Pakistan and Ms Shazia Marri, MNA, were also present on the occasion.