ISLAMABAD : Staff Reporter – Severe cyclone is playing havoc in Sri Lanka but Indian government’s hostility towards Pakistan obstructs Pakistan’s relief operations in the affected areas of the island. The Modi administration never misses an opportunity to satisfy its ego, it has begun playing with the lives of people in the region.
The Indian government has obstructed Pakistan’s rescue operation in Sri Lanka by closing its airspace. Cyclone Ditova caused devastation along Sri Lanka’s coastal areas on 28 November. Several people have been killed and injured due to Cyclone Ditova, while a large number have been displaced.
The Government and people of Pakistan express full solidarity with their Sri Lankan brothers in this difficult time. Following the cyclone, the Prime Minister of Pakistan and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir issued special instructions to provide all possible assistance from Pakistan.
A 45-member Pakistan Army Urban Search and Rescue Team, with support from NDMA and the Pakistan Air Force, is ready to depart for Sri Lanka on a C-130 aircraft. The rescue team being sent to Sri Lanka had also performed its duties effectively during the natural disaster in Türkiye.
India has refused to grant airspace clearance for this humanitarian mission. NDMA also tried to send aid through commercial cargo aircraft with a capacity of 100 tons. The departure of these aircraft is also delayed because it depends on Indian airspace clearance.
Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Lockheed C-130 Hercules transported 47-member team with equipment to participate in humanitarian and rescue efforts in cyclone-hit Sri Lanka. 03 Dec 2025
Pakistan’s relief cargo and rescue team had to take an alternative route, which required more time. Due to India’s airspace closure, 100 tons of relief goods could not reach Sri Lanka by sea in 8 days.
The relief supplies include rescue boats, pumps, life jackets, tents, blankets, milk, food, and medicines.
Pakistan Navy’s PNS Saif, which was in Colombo for the International Fleet Review 2025, is already engaged in relief activities. Despite all obstacles, Pakistan will continue delivering aid to help Sri Lanka’s flood victims.
The Indian government’s decision to close its airspace in this emergency situation is a major example of hostility towards humanity.
Prime Minister Pakistan Expresses Solidarity with President Sri Lanka
Prime Minister Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has shared on his social media ; “My good friend President Anura Kumara Dissanayake @anuradisanayake called me this evening. I conveyed my deepest sorrow over the tragic loss of life and property due to the devastation caused by Cyclone Ditwah in Sri Lanka.
PM extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and commended the swift and courageous efforts of Sri Lankan authorities and rescue teams in these extremely difficult conditions. As a neighbor and brotherly country, Pakistan has always stood in full solidarity with Sri Lanka, especially in moments of grief.
PN EVACUATES STRANDED FAMILY DURING HADR OPERATIONS IN SRI LANKA
On 01 Dec , During the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts in Sri Lanka, the embarked Z-9 helicopter on Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF conducted rescue operations in the flooded Kotikawatta area.
During search and rescue operation a stranded family for the last five days, including a 7-month-old infant were safely recovered from a rooftop. Subsequently, the evacuated family was transported to safe location in coordination with local authorities. The successful conduct of rescue operation is a testimony of Pakistan Navy’s professionalism and commitment to international obligations.
Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF with embarked helicopter is on overseas deployment to Sir Lanka since 30 Nov 2025. The Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in Cyclone Ditwah hit areas of Sri Lankan are in progress by Pakistan Navy Ship SAIF.
On 01 Dec, the second day of relief efforts, the ship’s embarked Z9EC helicopter undertook multiple missions over severely flood-affected areas in Colombo and its surrounding regions. Operating in close coordination with Sri Lankan authorities, the helicopter delivered essential food items and emergency supplies to stranded families in inundated residential zones inaccessible by road.
PNS SAIF while on overseas deployment to Sri Lanka will continue the relief efforts in coming days to support and provide aid to Sri Lankan populace during their time of need.
Pakistan dispatches 200 tons of emergency relief items to Sri Lanka
On 02 Dec, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad facilitated the arrangement of a Sea Cargo shipment carrying 200 tons of emergency relief items from Pakistan to Sri Lanka to support communities affected by the recent cyclone and severe weather conditions in Sri Lanka.
Under the patronage of the Government of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in coordination with the Pakistan Armed Forces, has arranged the relief items includes Tents, Blankets, Quilts, Life Jackets, boats, DW pumps Re-chargeable lamps, matts, mosquito nets, infant milk, RUTF and medicines.
The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Pakistan, Rear Admiral Fred Senevirathne (Rtd.), together with A. Christy Ruban, Minister/ Head of Chancery of this Mission, attended the send-off of the relief items to Sri Lanka. State Minister of Finance of Pakistan, Senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, NDMA were also present.
High Commissioner Seneviratne, in his address at the ceremony, highlighted that in this critical moment, the prompt action taken by the Government of Pakistan in sending relief items stands as a remarkable gesture of solidarity and friendship. This support from our long-standing brotherly nation is deeply appreciated. I also wish to acknowledge that, beyond the official consignment, many Pakistani citizens have expressed their willingness to assist Sri Lanka through financial contributions.
Further, he extended his heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency the President, the Honourable Prime Minister, the Government of Pakistan, and, most importantly, our Pakistani brothers and Sisters.
The High Commission conveys its sincere appreciation to His Excellency the President, the Honourable Prime Minister, the Government of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the Pakistan Air Force, partner organizations, and, most importantly, our Pakistani brothers and sisters for their timely support and cooperation during this difficult period. This gesture reflects the strong and enduring friendship between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, particularly in times of humanitarian need.
The High Commission of Sri Lanka in Islamabad will continue to coordinate with the respective authorities to ensure the smooth delivery and distribution of relief assistance.
High Commission of Sri Lanka.
