The Prime Minister's Advisor on women development, Nilofar Bakhtiar, on Tuesday said the government encourages the steps of humanitarian assistance that help cultivate an atmosphere of harmony in the society.
She stated this while speaking as the chief guest at the ceremony held here to mark the 'World Red Crescent - Red Cross Day' at the National Headquarters, organised by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
Nilofar, who is also the chairperson of the Gender and Youth Committee, Pakistan Red Crescent Society, said one should serve the humanity regardless of sex, creed, race and religion, adding this message should be promoted at all levels for making the world a peaceful place to live.
The Advisor appreciated the voluntary services rendered by the PRCS for the welfare of masses and in the hour of disaster.
PRCS Chairman Jehandad Khan said the Society was enhancing the capacity of the organisation to effectively cope with all aspects of disaster management, adding the project of 'quick response ambulance services' would soon be launched initially in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, which would be later extended to all provincial capitals.
He said the PRCS was working on identifying disaster-prone areas by building local capacities at the union council level.
Earlier, PRCS Secretary General Khalid Kibriya apprised the audience about the working of 66 branches of PRCS in the country.
A declamation contest was also held on the occasion based on the Red Cross - Red Crescent's yearly theme 'Stop Discrimination' where student speakers expressed their views about the issue.
Najma of the Fatima Jinnah University was awarded first prize whereas Fatima Khakwani of the International Islamic University and Usman Mir of the University College were given second and third prizes, respectively.
Later, Nilofar visited the stalls set up by the PRCS signifying its activities, blood donation camps, First - Aid training centres, ambulance services, and disaster management.