On Tuesday, 14 November 2023, Ambassador Azhar received a courtesy call by a 3-member delegation headed by Mr. Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari, Chairman of Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS). During the meeting, both sides focused on strengthening the relationship between Malaysia and Pakistan, characterized by mutual affection and shared commitment. Ambassador Azhar commended PRCS for its efforts during emergencies and disasters.
Ambassador Azhar stated the collaborative efforts between the government and Malaysian non-governmental organizations (NGOs), such as the Global Peace Mission (GPM), MERCY Malaysia and Yayasan Al-Taqwa Wilayah Persekutuan to aid families affected by the floods in Pakistan. He acknowledged PRCS's active participation in handling natural disasters and lauded its involvement during the devastating 2022 floods in Pakistan. Ambassador Azhar expressed his desire to further explore humanitarian endeavours through strengthening collaboration between the Malaysian Red Crescent Society/non-governmental organizations and the Pakistan Red Crescent Society.
In his response, Chairman Laghari underscored the importance of collaboration, emphasizing its necessity not only during disasters but also in normal time to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable communities in the country. He recalled his interactions with the Malaysian delegation during the Movement Induction Course organized by the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in Malaysia in 2022. Chairman Laghari extended an invitation to Ambassador Azhar to visit the field areas in Sindh and Balochistan as well as the PRCS National Headquarters to witness PRCS programs and projects. Before taking leave, Chairman Laghari presented a memento to Ambassador Azhar.
