Pakistan’s attempt to showcase solidarity with flood-hit Sri Lanka has backfired, after images posted by its own High Commission in Colombo appeared to show expired relief supplies, triggering widespread outrage online.
Days after Islamabad accused New Delhi of “blocking” its humanitarian assistance, Pakistan dispatched a relief consignment for victims of Cyclone Ditwah and publicly celebrated the gesture on X, calling it proof of its commitment to helping “brothers and sisters.”
But the spotlight shifted swiftly when users zoomed in on labels visible in the High Commission’s photos, showing “EXP: 10/2024”, indicating the items had expired more than a year ago.
The post was deleted, but screenshots went viral, prompting questions about how expired goods were included in a disaster-relief shipment and why the images were shared without scrutiny.
Social media users called the move insensitive and disrespectful to victims already battling the aftermath of severe flooding. Islamabad has so far issued no clarification.
This embarrassment comes close on the heels of Pakistan’s accusation that India delayed flight clearance for its relief aircraft.
Pakistan’s Foreign Affairs ministry alleged, “India continues to block humanitarian assistance from Pakistan to Sri Lanka,” claiming its plane was delayed for over 60 hours. India has not publicly responded to those claims.
Meanwhile, India has mounted one of its largest humanitarian operations in the region, rapidly supplying Sri Lanka under Operation Sagar Bandhu.
Since 28 November, India has delivered 53 tonnes of relief by air and sea, evacuated over 2,000 stranded Indians, and deployed NDRF teams that have rescued more than 150 people.
Relief material has been sent on IAF aircraft and naval ships, including INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri and INS Sukanya.
Helicopters and MI-17s have airlifted stranded civilians, including infants, pregnant women and the critically injured, from inaccessible areas.
India’s efforts continue even as Pakistan faces growing questions over its own relief credibility.
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