The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) in collaboration with the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police organised a blood donation camp at the National Police Headquarters Islamabad on Thursday. More than 50 ICT police personnel donated blood on the first day of the camp, which will remain open for seven days in order to meet a collection target of 250 blood units for thalassemia patients and others who are in urgent need of blood. PRCS Chairman Abrar ul Haq, Inspector General Islamabad Police Aamir Zulfiqar Khan and Secretary General Khalid bin Majeed visited the camp and appreciated the police personnel for their priceless donation. Speaking on the occasion, PRCS Chairman Abrar ul Haq said the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has put lives of thousands of patients in the country at risk for want of timely supply of blood. He said the pandemic has brought voluntary blood donations to a virtual standstill, adding that blood shortage can have a serious impact on patients who need surgery, victims of car accidents or people fighting thalassemia or cancer. Abrar ul Haq appreciated the ICT Police for their timely and much-needed contribution in the shape of blood donation which will help save many lives. He appealed to other organizations to follow the suit and come forward to help humanity in this hour of need. Secretary General Khalid bin Majeed highlighted the efforts the PRCS has been putting in to save precious lives through timely supply of blood. He said the PRCS, which runs its own Regional Blood Donor Centre (RBDC) at the National Headquarters in Islamabad, has been facing critical situation vis-à-vis collection of blood due to coronavirus outbreak these days. He said the RBDC would usually collect 400-500 donations in any given month, which have now fallen to around a dozen units only. He said around 90% of PRCS blood supply has been threatened by cancelation of community blood drives due to the closure of schools and offices, adding that the blood camp organized in collaboration with the ICT Police is a ray of hope in this situation. Speaking on the occasion, Inspector General Islamabad Police Aamir Zulfiqar Khan said his force is pursuing the policy of facilitating the public at large and is committed to serve people till last drop of blood. He reiterated ICT Police’s all-out support to the PRCS in all its endeavours. Officers from PRCS and ICT Police and a number of volunteers were also present on the occasion.