By Shaheen Hashim
KARACHI: In recent years, international organizations have sharply reduced funding for social welfare initiatives, making it increasingly difficult for local programs to continue. In response, some agencies have developed self-sustaining initiatives designed to reduce dependence on foreign aid.
As part of this effort, the Country Head of the International Federation of Red Cross, Fareed Abdul Qadir, and Secretary General Ubaidullah Khan visited the organization’s Sindh headquarters. They met with provincial cabinet members and key figures, including Rehan Hashmi, chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society in Sindh, to discuss strategies for sustaining operations amid shrinking funding.
Fareed Abdul Qadir, visiting Karachi for the first time from Kenya, noted that global funding trends have fallen by more than 50 per cent, leaving Pakistan with minimal international support. He stressed that local offices will now need to build internal capacities to maintain their operational programs.
The Red Crescent, established in Pakistan under the guidance of Quaid-e-Azam and the Geneva Convention, has a history spanning 162 years. Its national day is celebrated on 20 December, with central ceremonies held in Karachi. The recent visit highlighted Sindh’s active role in sustaining humanitarian efforts, earning praise from visiting officials.
