The Pakistan Red Crescent society (PRCS) is one of the 189 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies around the world, with more currently being formed. This unique network forms the backbone of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

PRCS is legally constituted body under an act –the Pakistan Red Cross Act of 1920 (Successor to the Indian Red Cross Act), as amended up to 1974 when its nomenclature was re-worded as “Pakistan Red Crescent Society”.

The Society is an officially recognised by the Government of Pakistan, as a voluntary relief organization and an auxiliary to the public authorities, more particularly to the Medical Services of the Armed Forces in accordance with provisions of the Geneva Convention. The Society maintains its autonomy according to the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross / Red Crescent Movement i.e. Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Services, Unity & Universality.

The president of Pakistan is the head of society at national level while governors are the presidents of provincial branches which are autonomous in their functioning. Society does have own national and provincial headquarters. The national headquarter is Islamabad based while provincial headquarters are provincial based in respective provinces.. The president of Pakistan nominates the national Chairman and several Members on the National Managing Body. The Red Crescent society is an independent worldwide voluntary relief organization and it is a public self governed body.