Pakistan’s humanitarian gesture to flood-ravaged Sri Lanka has backfired spectacularly after photographs posted by its own High Commission revealed relief packages clearly marked with an expiry date of October 2024. The images, intended to highlight solidarity, instead ignited widespread outrage and accusations of disrespect toward disaster victims already grappling with one of the island nation’s worst flooding crises in decades.

The Pakistan High Commission in Colombo had proudly announced the delivery of essential supplies for displaced families, accompanied by images showing pallets of goods. Social media users swiftly identified the “EXP: 10/2024” labels on multiple packages, noting that the items had expired more than a year ago. Islamabad has yet to issue any clarification or response to the mounting criticism.

While Pakistan faced intense online condemnation, India launched a comprehensive and rapid humanitarian response under Operation Sagar Bandhu. Since 28 November, New Delhi has delivered 53 tonnes of critical relief material through air and sea routes, including food, medicines, tents, blankets, hygiene kits, and advanced BHISHM medical cubes, demonstrating a marked contrast in the scale and execution of assistance.

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Indian Navy vessels including INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, and INS Sukanya, alongside Indian Air Force C-130J and IL-76 aircraft, have been deployed for both relief delivery and evacuation. National Disaster Response Force teams, supported by Chetak and MI-17 helicopters, have rescued over 150 stranded individuals, including citizens from Sri Lanka, India, and more than ten other countries, earning widespread appreciation from Colombo.

As India continues round-the-clock airlifts and maritime missions to reach isolated regions, the sharply differing approaches to disaster relief have dominated regional discourse. The episode has underscored the challenges of coordinating effective international aid while highlighting India’s swift and substantial intervention in support of its flood-hit neighbour.

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