ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering timely and effective relief to the people of Gaza and Lebanon. This pledge was made during a high-level meeting at the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) headquarters in Islamabad.
The meeting, co-chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal and NDMA Chairman Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, reviewed the ongoing relief efforts for those affected by conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. Participants discussed strategies to address any challenges in these efforts.
So far, Pakistan has sent 12 consignments totaling 1,251 tons of relief supplies—10 to Gaza and 2 to Lebanon. These shipments have included essential items like tents, tarpaulins, food packs, winter bedding, medicines, and hygiene kits.
The Lebanese Ambassador to Pakistan commended Pakistan for its prompt assistance, noting that it is among the first three countries to provide relief during this difficult period, and emphasized ongoing efforts to send additional aid.
During the meeting, Minister Ahsan Iqbal mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has issued specific directives to support the people of Lebanon and Gaza. He announced the establishment of the “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon” to facilitate donations from the Pakistani public to those in need.
Iqbal instructed the NDMA to create an effective delivery model for aid distribution via air and land routes. He also stressed the importance of maintaining collaboration with food and non-food suppliers to ensure a steady flow of essential items to those affected.
Moreover, Pakistan’s Ambassadors to Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria provided updates on local welfare institutions and the processes for delivering assistance to the war-affected populations in those countries.
