At Torkham, Chaman
PRCS provides healthcare to over 116,000, psychosocial support to 18,800
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has intensified its humanitarian response to support thousands of Afghan nationals returning through key border crossings at Torkham and Chaman, providing healthcare, clean water, protection and family reunification services amid growing needs.
According to a statement issued here, PRCS, through its Merged Areas Branch and Migration and Displacement Unit at its National Headquarters, was leading a coordinated response to address the urgent needs of vulnerable returnees, including women, children and the elderly.
With an increase in cross-border movement, many returnees have faced exhaustion, limited access to healthcare, safe drinking water shortages and protection risks during transit.
In response, PRCS has established Humanitarian Service Points at Torkham and a medical health facility at Chaman to deliver integrated support services.
PRCS health teams have so far provided primary healthcare services to over 116,000 individuals, along with psychosocial support to more than 18,800 people. Ambulance services have also facilitated emergency referrals.
In the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector, over 906,000 litres of safe drinking water have been supplied, while more than 35,000 individuals have benefited from hygiene promotion sessions and improved sanitation facilities at border sites.
Protection services remain a key component of the response, with safe spaces set up for women and children.
The organisation has distributed over 15,000 dignity kits and conducted menstrual hygiene management sessions, while more than 6,600 children have participated in structured activities aimed at providing emotional support.
Under its Restoring Family Links programme, PRCS has conducted more than 1,600 tracing sessions, reaching over 35,000 individuals, and facilitating 10 family reunifications. Solar-powered charging booths have also been installed to help displaced families reconnect with relatives.
PRCS said it continues to deliver integrated services at border crossings, combining health, protection, WASH, and information services under a coordinated mechanism, while maintaining feedback systems to improve accountability and service delivery.
Chairperson Farzhana Naek commended the efforts of teams working on the ground and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to humanitarian assistance.
“PRCS is proud to be leading from the front in responding to the humanitarian needs of Afghan returnees. Our teams are working day and night to ensure that vulnerable families receive timely assistance, care and protection,” she said, while thanking partners including the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, International Committee of the Red Cross, Norwegian Red Cross and British Red Cross.
