President Mamnoon urges volunteerism to cope with disasters
05 February, 2014
ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday said that being a disaster-prone country Pakistan needs trained volunteers to cope with natural and man-made disasters.
Addressing the award ceremony of International Volunteers Day, organised by Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), the president said selflessness is the very spirit of volunteerism and it must be flourished under the teaching of Islam, and every volunteer should follow the uswa of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who not only cared for his fellows but also those who were against him.
"My dear volunteers, in fact, all of us must remember the verse of holy Quran which, when translated, reads, 'He who saves one life, is as though he has saved the entire humanity'," Mamnoon said, adding that service to humanity is preached in every religion. "It is indeed recognised as one of the noblest contribution by any individual." The president said that when guided properly our youth can achieve what the volunteers of the Pakistan Red Cresent Society (PRCS) have accomplished.
"Being among young and talented volunteers means a lot to me and great satisfaction. It is comforting to know that we shall be leaving this country in the hands of very competent youth towards a better and stronger Pakistan," the president said. Mamnoon Hussain complimented the entire staff, volunteers and management of the PRCS for their service to humanity and assured the government's continued support to the Society in its mission.
Speaking on the occasion, PRCS Chairman Major General (r) Ch Muhammad Nawaz Khan thanked the president for acknowledging the PRCS volunteers' competencies and contributions and motivating them to bring further laurels for the Society and to beloved Pakistan. "Our volunteers form the backbone of the PRCS activities. The Society has a committed base of 253,000volunteers who have come from every nook and corner of Pakistan, representing the communities that they live in; it is for this reason that the PRCS has acceptability with everyone and everywhere in Pakistan. Be it FATA, Awaran or no-go areas in the urban centres, the volunteers of the PRCS are welcomed with open arms," Nawaz Khan said.
He said these volunteers come with different skill sets, are extremely motivated and are invariably the first to reach a scene of a disaster and the last to leave. "Our volunteers have participated in every disaster response operation undertaken by the PRCS without fear and with total commitment and dedication. They have never cared for themselves and have always served selflessly." He said the PRCS volunteers have won laurels at the international level, and in 2011 the PRCS was awarded the "International Volunteering Development Award" from amongst the 189 Red Cross Red Crescent National Societies.
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