Islamabad/Colombo: Pakistan is facing severe criticism after reportedly sending expired food items to cyclone-hit Sri Lanka under the guise of humanitarian aid. Images of the supplies, including water, milk, and biscuits, went viral on social media, exposing the substandard nature of the relief. The supplies reportedly carried an expiration date of October 2024.
Social media users widely condemned Pakistan for the move, calling it irresponsible and highlighting a pattern of sending inadequate or expired aid. Some users recalled similar incidents during the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, where Pakistan had allegedly sent substandard relief materials.
Diplomatic Backlash from Colombo
The incident has angered the Sri Lankan government, prompting both formal and informal objections to Pakistan’s actions. Officials from Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management and Foreign Ministry expressed serious concerns over the expired and unfit supplies.
Pakistan Tried to Undermine India but Failed
Reports suggest Pakistan attempted to bypass India while delivering aid to Sri Lanka, allegedly to match or outdo India’s humanitarian assistance. Indian officials clarified that Pakistan requested permission to use Indian airspace for aid flights, and India granted approval within four hours on humanitarian grounds.
Indian authorities emphasized that contrary to claims in Pakistani media, there was no obstruction, and the decision followed established operational, technical, and security protocols, not political considerations. India also stressed that media reports alleging deliberate denial were false and misleading.
Sri Lanka is currently grappling with severe flooding and landslides caused by a cyclone, which has claimed over 390 lives. The latest controversy has added to the diplomatic embarrassment for Pakistan, highlighting questions over its approach to international aid.
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