Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK has organized an orientation session for Journalists

Muzaffarabad: Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch has organized an orientation session about Red Cross Red Crescent Movement here on Monday. The main purpose of the session was to orientate the participants about the History of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement and to improve coordination among stakeholders. In the session, twenty working journalists from print & electronic media attended the session. Besides, a session on climate change was also held.

Secretary Population Welfare Ataa Ullah Ataa honoured the session as Chief Guest. The senior vice president of the Central Press Club was also present on this occasion. Media & Communication Officer of Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch gave a detailed presentation on the history of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Movement. Additionally, participants were apprised of the Seven Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement. Moreover, the history of Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJk & PRC National was also discussed in detail and the ongoing program of Pakistan Red Crescent Society and its humanitarian efforts across AJK & Pakistan.

In the meantime, Mr Arif Urfi of Geo television gave a session on Climate change. He further discussed the impacts of climate change on our social, economic and other issues as well. “we need to raise awareness on the climate change in Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Pakistan’s share in global warming is negligible but on the other hand, we are facing more than our share,” he added. While talking about the global warming issue he further emphasised that the consequences would be dire if the matter is not addressed timely.

While addressing the concluding ceremony the Chief Guest of the event Secretary Population Welfare Atta-Ullah Atta said that the Pakistan Red Crescent Society is contributing positively to support humanitarian actions across AJK. He further stressed that journalists can play a pivotal role to raise awareness about social issues that we are currently facing in our society. “Climate change issue is the most debatable issue in the modern time. Most of our problems are directly related to climate change,” he concluded.

Senior vice president of Central Press Club Muzaffarabad Shahzad Lolabi applauded the efforts of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and said that coordination among Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch will be further enhanced and both print & electronic media will highlight the humanitarian actions of Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK.
While speaking about the interventions of Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK Ms Faiza Gillani a senior journalist has said that capacity building of the Journalists in disaster management, Disaster Risk Reduction, Restoring Family Links and First Aid is essential so that they can raise awareness through media. She further said that women should be provided equal chances of participation in such training.

On this occasion, a veteran journalist Mr Saeed Siddiqui said that Azad Kashmir has great potential for tourism but on the other hand climate change issue is affecting its beauty and charm. “Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK must intervene to raise awareness about climate change. The journalists are ready to support this initiative,” he added

At the end of the session, the chief guest of the session also handed over First Aid pouches to participants. Moreover, certificates from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society AJK State Branch were also distributed among participants. Media & Communication Officer also presented souvenirs to the chief guest.

Program and Disaster Management Manager Sardar Waqas, Program Coordinator First Aid Yasir Josh, Risk Awareness & Safer Behaviour Coordinator Yasir Kazmi, Finance Officer Adnan Abbasi, Manager Restoring Family Links Sidra Qureshi were also present in the session.