Independent Report
Islamabad, January 22, 2026: The Chairperson of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS), Farzhana Naek, met with the Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Pakistan, Mr. Christoph Sutter, at PRCS National Headquarters to discuss the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Merged Areas, particularly in district Kurram and the Tirah Valley.
During the meeting, Chairperson PRCS highlighted the urgent humanitarian needs of affected communities and emphasized that the fragile nature of the Merged Areas requires immediate and coordinated assistance to address growing vulnerabilities. She also underscored the value of the long-standing partnership between PRCS and ICRC.
Mr. Christoph Sutter reaffirmed ICRC’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with PRCS and expressed readiness to support efforts in Kurram and Tirah to address the emerging humanitarian situation. He also confirmed ICRC’s support for the PRCS Merged Areas Branch through the PRCS National Headquarters. Mr. Sutter commended PRCS for deploying National Disaster Response Teams (NDRTs) to the affected areas, describing the initiative as timely, proactive, and essential for meeting urgent humanitarian needs.
The meeting concluded with both PRCS and ICRC committing to enhanced coordination and partnership, emphasizing that providing timely, life-saving assistance to affected communities across Pakistan is a shared responsibility.
