The Red Cross Red Crescent Movement has figured prominently in special awards given by the Pakistan government in recognition of the humanitarian efforts in response to the 8 October 2005 earthquake.He also recounts how a doctor from South Africa who had been visiting the Neelam Valley when the quake struck refused to be evacuated despite terrible conditions, insisting he stay to treat casualties as part of the Red Cross Red Crescent response. Dogar, whilst proud to receive the Sitara-i-Eisaar for the achievements of the Movement to date, realizes much is yet to be done. “I am proud we were able to do our utmost. But that is not enough. We need to build our capacity and utilize it in future,” he said. The Federation response with the help of Movement partners has to date assisted 750,000 people with emergency relief items and more than 350,000 with medical assistance. But needs remain unmet and the Federation reconstruction and recovery projects will take through to the end of 2008 to complete. There is a current shortfall in funding of CHF 100 million (US$82 million, Euro 64 million) and further support is required if the work to help the most vulnerable is to be completed. As President Musharraf stressed in recognizing the efforts to date of organizations such as the International Federation of the Red Cross Red Crescent, the job is not finished yet. “We must have the empathy to appreciate that although no effort was spared in undertaking this formidable task, nothing can compensate for the loss and human anguish of the victims. We need to stay engaged,” he said. Captions; Azmat Star 1: Pakistan Head of Delegation Azmat Ullah with the ‘Star of Sacrifice’ awarded to the International Federation by Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf. Dogar 2: Yasib Ali Dogar received the award in recognition of his work for the Punjab branch of the Pakistan Red Crescent working in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Help: Head of the Pakistan Delegation Azmat Ulla is delighted the unstinting work of the Pakistan Red Crescent through all levels from volunteers in the field to national headquarters was recognized in the awards. Head of Delegation Azmat Ulla was called up first to accept the Sitara-i-Eisaar (Star of Sacrifice) from Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies at a ceremony at President House in Islamabad last week. Other Movement partners recognized were the ICRC, the Turkish Red Crescent Society, the Saudi Red Crescent Society (as part of the Saudi Relief Mission), Yasib Ali Dogar of the Punjab branch of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, and Altaf M. Saleem, chairman of the Pakistan Red Crescent Punjab branch who also receiving the Sitara-i-Eisaar. Mr Saleem is also now the Chairman of the Pakistan government Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA). The awards made to a range of national and international organizations and individuals for recognition of their efforts in helping the people of Pakistan. President Musharraf, who is also the President of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, told the audience of 400 people that his nation was deeply grateful for the global response to the disaster which claimed 73,000 lives and displaced 3.5 million people. “In honoring you this nation wishes to express its deepest gratitude for the spirit of sacrifice and compassion, which you brought to Pakistan in our hour of need,” the President said. It has been truly worldwide response by the International Federation with to date 42 national societies contributing cash, relief items, equipment and personnel to the quake operation. Ulla is proud to accept the award for the ‘wider Federation’. “The Federation is a membership organization and the response from national societies around the world to the needs of people affected by the quake has been tremendous,” Ulla said. “I’m also delighted the efforts of the Pakistan Red Crescent Society have been recognized with the awards to Yasib Ali Dogar and Altaf Saleem. The unstinting work of the host national society through all levels from volunteers in the field to national headquarters has helped achieve a highly effective response so far,” Ulla continued. For Yasib Ali Dogar, shaking the hand of his country’s President and receiving the award before hundreds of dignitaries, was recognition for the sacrifice and hard work of Pakistan Red Crescent volunteers. With many members of the National Society branch in Pakistan-administered-Kashmir either killed or badly affected by the quake, the Punjab branch was mobilized to reinforce the response in that area of the country. Dogar says the response of volunteers was superb such as a group of doctors who came up from the southern city of Karachi offering their services. “Despite the fact they had exams coming up back in Karachi they arrived wanting to help. We dropped them into remote areas of Neelam Valley and then the weather turned bad and they couldn’t get out. I was making frantic calls to Karachi to explain the doctors might be late for their exams!” .