Pakistan dispatches relief items, rescue team to Sri Lanka

On Dec 3, 2025

Pakistan continued relief measures for the affected population in Sri Lanka in the wake of large-scale destruction caused by the severe cyclone as the island nation appealed for assistance.

On the special directives of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a dedicated Pakistan search and rescue team was dispatched early this 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, Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, and Sri Lankan High Commissioner Fred Senevirathne.

Speaking on the occasion, Chaudhry stated that NDMA remains fully committed to responding to disasters and mitigating their adverse impacts both within Pakistan and in affected countries abroad. R

Sri Lanka’s envoy expressed gratitude to the people and Government of Pakistan for the timely provision of emergency assistance. NDMA has additionally arranged for the dispatch of relief goods through Sri Lankan Airlines operating between Colombo and Lahore.

Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif held an extensive dialogue with the President of Sri Lanka and also initiated contact with other cyclone-affected countries including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia.

A day earlier, the 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, the NDMA is also sending temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army to support restoration and access efforts in the affected regions.