ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has announced plans to send an extra 200 tons of humanitarian supplies to Sri Lanka to aid communities affected by the recent cyclonic storm, according to Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry.
The decision follows discussions with Sri Lankan officials in Colombo and an on-the-ground evaluation of the situation, which revealed a need for increased support to address the medium-term needs of the storm-affected populations.
Junaid Chaudhry stated that a shipment of 200 tons of relief materials has already been dispatched via sea and is expected to arrive in Sri Lanka by December 13. The supplies include tents, blankets, quilts, mosquito nets, camping lamps, mats, life jackets, inflatable boats, dewatering pumps, medicines, milk powder, and ready-to-use therapeutic food.
He further mentioned that Pakistan Navy vessels and aerial assets are actively engaged in ongoing relief efforts across Sri Lanka, assisting with rescue operations, transportation, and emergency response activities. Naval teams are working in close coordination with local authorities to support the most severely impacted communities.
The minister visited Sri Lanka on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s instructions to demonstrate Pakistan’s solidarity with the island nation in the wake of Cyclonic Storm Duttawah. Junaid Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continue supporting Sri Lanka’s recovery from the storm’s humanitarian and infrastructural damage.
