Pakistan Sri Lanka Relief Mission Expands After Cyclone Ditwah
Pakistan has launched a major Pakistan Sri Lanka relief mission after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe destruction. The storm triggered deadly floods and landslides that claimed more than 400 lives. As a result, Pakistan expanded its humanitarian support and rescue operations.
Pakistan Sends Search and Rescue Team
A Pakistan Air Force C-130 carrying a 47-member rescue team left for Sri Lanka on Wednesday. The aircraft also transported 6.5 tons of essential equipment. NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik said the team would assist communities hit hardest by the cyclone.
He added that Pakistan stood in full solidarity with Sri Lanka. The prime minister and the army chief ordered “complete support” for all relief efforts. In addition, a Pakistan Navy ship already in the region continued evacuations during heavy rains.
Malik noted that climate change threatens every nation. Therefore, he called for shared global knowledge on early-warning systems. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry also offered condolences and announced more aid from Lahore and Karachi.
Additional Support and Diplomatic Challenges
Pakistan sent 200 tons of cargo assistance from Karachi on Tuesday. Malik assured the Sri Lankan ambassador that Pakistan would continue to help for as long as needed. However, he said India delayed flight clearance for Pakistan’s C-130 aircraft, forcing Islamabad to send part of the relief mission by sea.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later chaired a meeting to review ongoing operations. He directed authorities to maintain full support and help Sri Lanka with rehabilitation after rescue efforts end. He also spoke with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who praised Pakistan’s quick response and solidarity.
