Pakistan sends elite search and rescue team to Sri Lanka

In response to the large-scale destruction caused by the severe storm in Sri Lanka and following a request for assistance from the Sri Lankan government, Pakistan has intensified relief efforts for the affected population.

Under the directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, a 47-member Pakistan Army search and rescue team, along with 6.5 tons of essential equipment, was dispatched early this morning aboard a Pakistan Air Force C-130 aircraft to support humanitarian and rescue operations in Sri Lanka.

The departure ceremony was attended by Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, HI (M), and Sri Lankan High Commissioner H.E. Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd). Dr. Chaudhry reaffirmed that NDMA remains fully committed to disaster response and mitigation both within Pakistan and abroad. The Sri Lankan High Commissioner expressed gratitude to the people and government of Pakistan for their timely assistance.

Prime Minister Sharif also held extensive talks with the President of Sri Lanka and reached out to other cyclone-affected countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. In addition to the airlift, NDMA has arranged relief goods via Sri Lankan Airlines operating between Colombo and Lahore, and dispatched 200 tons of supplies by sea.

The relief items 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 actively engaged in ongoing relief operations, and temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army are being sent to aid restoration and access in the affected regions.

Pakistan has pledged to continue providing all possible assistance to the people of Sri Lanka as part of its enduring commitment to humanitarian support and regional solidarity.