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The International Rescue Committee first came to Pakistan in 1980 to provide emergency medical relief to hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan in the wake of the Soviet invasion—a number which grew to over five million by the end of the decade. Following Afghan elections in June 2002, and bolstered by the prospect of peace, refugees began repatriating in January 2003. An estimated 2.5 million refugees still remain in Pakistan.
How We Help
As one of the first organizations to respond to the earthquake that devastated Pakistan on Oct. 8, 2005, the IRC treated thousands of the sick and injured and distributed emergency supplies, tools, and material for shelter. Meanwhile, we continue to provide support for Afghan refugees who remain in Pakistan as well as assist those able to return home. The IRC also helps local communities become sustainable and reduce their dependency on international assistance.
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Babo Madassar holds his six-month-old daughter after seeing the IRC's Dr. Sediq in the earthquake-devastated village of Singul Kot., Pakistan Photo: Scott Anger/International Rescue Committee | |
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