Strengthening its mission to foster safer, resilient communities, Shehersaaz has extended critical emergency response support to Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 4th March 2026. This initiative is being implemented under the Project for Urban Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience (PUCCAR) and its associated program, Program for Safe, Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable Education Places for All (PROGRESSIVE), supported by UN-Habitat and the Adaptation Fund.

This handover marks a key step in turning shared priorities into tangible outcomes. By equipping frontline responders with essential tools, the initiative directly contributes to improving emergency readiness and supporting timely response in high-risk situations.

Through this effort, Shehersaaz provided 06 foldable lightweight aluminum wheelchairs, 06 stretchers with aluminum rods, and 06 manual emergency sirens to strengthen operational preparedness. In parallel, 25 plastic planters and 02 compost bags were included to support environmental initiatives that contribute to healthier and more sustainable communities.

The equipment was formally received and verified by representatives of Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi through an established documentation process. This ensures accountability while reinforcing a partnership built on coordination and shared responsibility.

The support reflects a broader collaboration that extends beyond resource provision. Ongoing efforts include community awareness sessions, first responder trainings, and the development of localized safety mechanisms that enable communities to better navigate emergencies.

At its core, this initiative focuses on reducing vulnerability and strengthening systems that protect lives. By supporting both institutional capacity and community-level preparedness, Shehersaaz is helping create a more responsive and inclusive approach to urban safety.

As urban and climate-related challenges continue to evolve, such partnerships remain essential. Together with Rescue 1122, Shehersaaz continues to advance practical solutions that enable communities to respond effectively and build a more secure future.

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, Shehersaaz hosted a heartfelt Iftar gathering at SOS Children’s Home, an integral part of SOS Children’s Villages, formally inaugurating the year-long project “Naya Safar: A Journey of Hope, Growth and Resilience.” The event brought together 45 children residing at the SOS Children’s Home along with their five foster mothers, creating an evening defined by warmth, compassion, and collective hope.

Held in the spirit of Ramadan, the gathering served both as a moment of community connection and as an introduction to the vision and objectives of the initiative. Children, foster mothers, staff, partners and members of the Shehersaaz team shared Iftar together, fostering a deeply meaningful and uplifting atmosphere that reflected a shared commitment to the well-being and holistic development of the children.

The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Almas Shakoor, Executive Director of Shehersaaz, and Mr. Abdul Shakoor, Chairperson of Shehersaaz, alongside key team members and partners. Their presence underscored the organization’s strong dedication to ensuring the success of the initiative.

The gathering was also attended by valued partners and supporters from Sunbeams, Adventurers, and S&P Global, the project’s principal sponsor. The Project Director from SOS Children’s Home also participated in the collective meeting held alongside the event.

During the meeting, members of the management and project partners engaged in constructive dialogue regarding the challenges faced by the children and their caregivers while outlining the strategic direction and next steps for the project’s implementation. Ms. Anahita Sajjad, Manager Communications & Networking at Shehersaaz and Project Lead for Naya Safar, presented the vision of the initiative, emphasizing the importance of creating safe, nurturing, and empowering environments where children can grow, heal, and thrive.
 

 
The initiative is closely aligned with PROGRESSIVE, Shehersaaz’s program dedicated to creating safe, resilient, inclusive, and sustainable education places for all. Through this alignment, Naya Safar aims to strengthen both the emotional well-being and the physical learning environments of children. The project will support foster mothers, build resilience among children, and promote greener and safer living and learning spaces within the SOS community.

Beginning in March 2026, Shehersaaz will actively initiate program activities as part of this year-long effort. Implemented in collaboration with partners, the project will focus on resilience building, emotional well-being, and strengthening caregiving environments. It will also contribute to transforming children’s homes into greener, more sustainable, and climate-resilient spaces.

The evening concluded with gratitude and optimism. Shehersaaz extends sincere thanks to all partners, guests, and team members who joined the inaugural gathering and contributed to making the event memorable. With the generous support of S&P Global and the continued commitment of all partners involved, Naya Safar promises to bring strength, resilience, and opportunity into the lives of the children and their foster mothers—paving the way for a brighter and more hopeful future.

In a significant step toward safer and more resilient communities, Shehersaaz formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rescue 1122 Rawalpindi on 4th March.



This agreement marks the continuation of a fruitful collaboration that has been ongoing since early 2023 and underscores Shehersaaz’s commitment to building communities and educational institutions that are prepared, informed, and capable of responding to emergencies.



Over the past years, Shehersaaz has facilitated numerous initiatives in partnership with Rescue 1122, ranging from first aid training in public schools to the development of emergency response kits and the provision of technical guidance for community safety measures. The MoU now formalizes these efforts and paves the way for an expanded, structured collaboration aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience to natural and human-made disasters, while promoting inclusive and safe spaces for all.



Under the renewed partnership, Rescue 1122 will continue to lead first aid and community emergency response trainings, targeting schools and vulnerable Union Councils of Rawalpindi. Shehersaaz will play a critical role in identifying participants, providing logistical support, and developing resources such as a certified Community Safety Manual for use by trained responders and educational institutions. Additionally, both institutions will work jointly on initiatives including plantation campaigns, environmental regeneration, wall murals, and the placement of emergency response equipment to enhance safety infrastructure in communities.

The MoU also emphasizes inclusivity, with dedicated programs for transgender individuals and strategies addressing vulnerable points along River Lai, ensuring that interventions reach those who need them most. Importantly, this partnership is founded on mutual cooperation, technical guidance, and shared responsibility, reflecting Shehersaaz’s ethos of building resilient cities through collaboration and community engagement.

By formalizing this agreement, Shehersaaz continues to demonstrate its leadership in urban safety, disaster preparedness, and climate resilience, bringing institutions and communities together for a shared vision. Together with Rescue 1122, Shehersaaz is taking a meaningful step toward empowered communities that can respond, adapt, and thrive, reinforcing the organization’s mission to create safe, inclusive, and sustainable urban spaces in Pakistan.