The Pakistan Red Crescent Society was established on 20th December 1947 By Quaid-e-Azam Mohammed Ali Jinnah by an order called “Pakistan Red Cross Order” under the Act. The Act of 1920 was amended by the Parliament of Pakistan in February 1974 converting the Red Cross into Red Crescent and the Sindh Provincial Branch is also governed by the same Act. The Society is a STATUTORY BODY and not an NGO
as perceived by the general public. It has its own National and Provincial constitutions. The Society is an officially recognized by the Government of Pakistan, as a voluntary relief organization and an auxiliary to the public authorities, more particularly to the Medical Services of the Armed Forces in accordance with provisions of the Geneva Conventions. The Society draws its strength from the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement and its International affiliation with the Parent Body, namely “International Federation of Red Cross /Red Crescent Societies” (IFRC) and “International Committee of Red Cross” (ICRC)Geneva. Its exclusive humanitarian mission is to assist the most vulnerable people and protect the dignity of the suffering humanity during war, conflict, natural and man made disasters. In peacetime it also carries-out Disaster Management (Preparedness, Response/ Relief & Risk Reduction), Health Care, Youth Activities, Emergency Volunteers Corps, Trainings at national and international levels. Moreover, the Movement spreads awareness about International Humanitarian law, Humanitarian Diplomacy and endeavours to promote humanitarian values for Global Peace. It has total 190 countries as members of the Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement in the world. The Red Cross has a permanent status in the United Nations as an observer.
