ISLAMABAD: Under the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a specialized search and rescue team was dispatched earlier today to assist in recovery operations across the cyclone-hit regions in Sri Lanka.
A Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft, carrying a 47-member team along with 6.5 tons of vital equipment, has departed to contribute to the humanitarian and rescue missions.
The departure ceremony for the relief shipment was attended by Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne.
During the event, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry reaffirmed NDMA’s dedication to addressing disasters and minimizing their impact both domestically and internationally. High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Pakistan for their prompt and essential assistance during this crisis.
Additionally, NDMA has coordinated the transportation of relief goods via Sri Lankan Airlines operating between Lahore and Colombo. Recently, in line with the Prime Minister’s directives, NDMA sent 200 tons of relief supplies to Sri Lanka through a sea shipment.
The relief package includes family tents, blankets, quilts, life jackets, inflatable boats, de-watering pumps, lamps, mats, mosquito nets, infant dry milk, ready-to-eat meals, and essential medicines. Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters are already actively contributing to relief activities in Sri Lanka.
Following a formal request from Sri Lanka’s President to Pakistan’s Prime Minister, NDMA is also providing temporary bridges sourced from the Pakistan Army to aid in restoring access and infrastructure in affected areas.
