A fresh controversy has erupted around Pakistan’s relief shipment to Sri Lanka after photos posted by the Pakistan High Commission showed aid packets printed with an expiry date of October 2024, raising questions about the quality of supplies sent to areas devastated by Cyclone Ditwah. The images triggered immediate pushback online, with users wondering why such material had been dispatched to a country in crisis.

Online Reaction Takes Over

The High Commission had shared the photos on X as part of an announcement praising Islamabad’s support for communities affected by the floods. The message stated, “Always standing together, Pakistan stands with Sri Lanka today and always.”

However, the public response quickly shifted once viewers noticed the expiry dates. Many questioned how the consignment was approved and why images were posted without proper scrutiny. Pakistani authorities have yet to clarify whether the products were genuinely expired or if the labels reflected a printing error.

Sri Lankan Officials Flag Concerns

According to local reports, Sri Lankan disaster-management and foreign-affairs teams examining the consignment identified items that appeared unsuitable for distribution. The cargo reportedly consisted of drinking water, medical supplies, milk, food packets and other basic necessities. Officials are still verifying whether any expired goods reached the public.

Earlier Appreciation Overshadowed

Before the backlash, the Pakistan High Commission had highlighted the distribution effort with another post that read, “Relief packages from Pakistan have been successfully delivered to assist our brothers and sisters affected by the recent floods in Sri Lanka, which signifies our unwavering solidarity. PAKISTAN STANDS WITH SRI LANKA TODAY AND ALWAYS.”

What was meant to be a goodwill gesture instead triggered widespread criticism after the date markings gained attention.

India Leads Large-Scale Assistance

Even as Pakistan’s aid came under scrutiny, India intensified a major relief campaign under Operation Sagar Bandhu, delivering 53 tonnes of emergency material through navy ships and Air Force aircraft since November 28.

More than 2,000 Indian nationals have been evacuated, and the MEA noted, “NDRF teams continue search and rescue in isolated regions Over 150 persons have been rescued.”

INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya have been central to India’s delivery efforts. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also posted an image of INS Sukanya arriving in Trincomalee with humanitarian cargo.

Rescue Missions Save Lives Across Nationalities

In coordination with Sri Lankan agencies, Indian Chetak helicopters and IAF MI-17s airlifted stranded civilians, including infants and critically injured people. The rescued included individuals from Sri Lanka, India, Germany, Slovenia, the UK, South Africa, Poland, Belarus, Iran, Australia, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

India initially sent 9.5 tonnes of emergency food items through naval vessels, followed by multiple IAF airlifts carrying tents, blankets, medical kits, hygiene supplies and two BHISHM medical cubes. INS Sukanya later transported another 12 tonnes of relief materials.

India Approves Pakistan’s Overflight Request

Despite the controversy, India granted Pakistan permission to fly relief supplies over its airspace en route to Sri Lanka. The approval, issued within four hours on December 1, allowed the aircraft to cross Indian territory without landing—standard practice for humanitarian overflights.

Cyclone Ditwah’s Impact in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka remains heavily affected by Cyclone Ditwah, which has caused 390 deaths, left 370 people missing, and impacted over 1.1 million residents. Nearly 200,000 individuals have been forced into temporary shelters.