Under directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and with support from the Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff, Pakistan dispatched 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Sri Lanka arranged by the National Disaster Management Authority.
NDMA coordinated a sea shipment loaded with tents, blankets, rescue boats, life jackets, de-watering pumps, lamps, sleeping mats, mosquito nets, infant milk, RUTF and essential medicines to assist communities affected by the crisis in Sri Lanka.
The mission was rerouted to a sea corridor after overflight clearance was denied by neighbouring airspace authorities, causing a short delay; authorities say the Pakistan aid shipment is expected to reach Sri Lanka in about eight days. The Alkhidmat Foundation also contributed consignments to the relief load.
A send-off ceremony in Islamabad brought together Sri Lanka’s Ambassador and Defence Attaché, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NDMA representatives and members of Alkhidmat Foundation and the media. Minister Kiyani commended NDMA’s swift mobilisation, calling the effort a clear reflection of Pakistan’s humanitarian commitment and regional solidarity. Sri Lanka’s Ambassador conveyed deep gratitude, saying the assistance will strengthen longstanding bilateral ties, while NDMA reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to support friendly nations through recovery and rehabilitation operations.
