ISLAMABAD : In the wake of the large-scale destruction caused by the severe storm in Sri Lanka afollowing the Sri Lankan Government’s appeal for assistance, the Government of Pakistan has continued relief measures for the affected population.
On the special dirrectives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a dedicated Pakistan
search and rescue team was dispatched early this Wednesday morning to support operations in
the affected areas of Sri Lanka. A Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying a 47-
member team along with 6.5 tons of essential equipment has departed to participate
in the humanitarian and rescue efforts.
The departure ceremony for the relief consignment was attended by Federal Minister
Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, and 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 stated that NDMA remains fully
committed to responding to disasters and mitigating their adverse impacts both
within Pakistan and in affected countries abroad.. Rear Admiral Fred
Senevirathne, Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Pakistan, expressed gratitude to the
people and Government of Pakistan for the timely provision of emergency
assistance.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif held an extensive dialogue with the
President of Sri Lanka yesterday and also initiated contact with other cyclone-
affected countries including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. NDMA has
additionally arranged for dispatch of relief goods through Sri Lankan Airlines
operating between Colombo and Lahore. Yesterday, under the special directive of
the Prime Minister, NDMA also sent 200 tons of relief supplies to Sri Lanka via sea
shipment.
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. Following a special
request from the President of Sri Lanka to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, NDMA is
also sending temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army to support restoration and
access efforts in the affected regions.
Pakistan will continue to extend all possible assistance to the people of Sri Lanka as
part of its enduring commitment to humanitarian support and regional solidarity.
