COLOMBO(National times)- Pakistan’s rescue team on Wednesday reached Colombo via C130 plane for flood relief operations in Sri Lanka on the special directives of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan’s High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Major General retired Fahim ul Aziz and Sri Lankan Deputy Minister Ports received the Pakistani team and assured all possible cooperation. Pakistan has always stood by Sri Lanka in every difficult time and will continue to stand by it. A relief assistance of 200 tonnes for flood victims by the government of Pakistan will also reach soon via sea. Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif talked to Sri Lankan president and also initiated contact with other cyclone-affected countries including Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. On Tuesday, under the special directive of prime minister, 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.

NDMA dispatches Pak Army’s elite rescue team to Sri Lanka amid cyclone devastation

Pakistan Navy ships and helicopters are already actively engaged in relief operations in Sri Lanka. Following a special request from the Sri Lankan president, NDMA is also sending temporary bridges from the Pakistan Army to support restoration and access efforts in the affected regions.