In the wake of large-scale destruction caused by the severe storm in Sri Lanka, and following the Sri Lankan Government’s appeal for assistance, the Government of Pakistan has intensified relief measures for the affected population. On the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a dedicated Pakistan Army search and rescue team was dispatched early this morning on a Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft, which carried a 47-member team along with 6.5 tons of essential equipment to support ongoing humanitarian and rescue operations.

The Pakistani relief team has now arrived in Colombo. The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Colombo, Major General Faheem ul Aziz, and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Minister for Ports received the rescue team upon arrival. The Pakistani Ambassador assured full cooperation to the special team sent by the Government of Pakistan and greeted all members individually.

Earlier, the departure ceremony of the relief consignment in Islamabad was attended by Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, HI (M), and Sri Lankan High Commissioner H.E. Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd). Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry reaffirmed that NDMA remains fully committed to responding to disasters and mitigating their impacts both within Pakistan and in affected countries abroad. H.E. Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Pakistan for the timely provision of emergency assistance.

The relief items dispatched include family tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, inflatable boats, de-watering pumps, lamps, mats, mosquito nets, infant dry milk, ready-to-eat food, and essential medicines. Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters are already actively engaged in relief operations in Sri Lanka.