MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) AJK, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the key stakeholders organized an Emergency Simulation Exercise (SimEx-2025) in Muzaffarabad.
The event aimed to review and strengthen coordination and response mechanisms during natural disasters and emergencies, fostering better preparedness among participating agencies.
The exercise brought together officials from various state departments, including PRCS, Police, Health, SDMA, Civil Defence, and Rescue 1122.
Notable attendees included ICRC representatives Wasif Jaan, Syed Husnain Ahmed, and Haroon Abbasi; Deputy Director (Organisational Development) from PRCS National Headquarters, Raja Rayhan Arif; and Deputy Director (Safety & Security), Col (Rtd) Irshaad Hussain.
Minister for Education AJK, Deewan Ali Chughtai, applauded the humanitarian interventions of PRCS AJK and reaffirmed the government’s full commitment to supporting the organization’s efforts.
In her opening remarks, Secretary PRCS AJK, Ms. Gulzar Fatima, welcomed all stakeholders and emphasized the need for prioritizing joint simulation exercises in the future to enhance coordination.
Chairman PRCS, Sardar Shafique Ahmed, expressed gratitude to the ICRC and PRCS National Headquarters in Islamabad for their unwavering support.
Coordination between PRCS, govt departments
He stressed the importance of timely coordination between PRCS and government departments to bolster emergency responses.
“Azad Jammu and Kashmir is one of the most vulnerable regions, where people face multiple hazards—especially those residing along the Line of Control, who endure natural disasters, cross-border firing, and shelling,” he noted. “We must prioritize these areas to ensure communities can cope with any emergency or disaster.”
The Chairman also thanked all participating departments and their representatives for their involvement in the joint simulation exercise.
Other dignitaries also addressed the gathering, highlighting the value of collaborative disaster preparedness.
At the conclusion of the exercise, certificates and shields were distributed among participants and guests to recognize their contributions.
