The incident has raised questions about the quality and seriousness of Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance, undermining its diplomatic image at a time when it is seeking to strengthen its influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Pakistan is under fresh international scrutiny after Sri Lanka discovered that a shipment of humanitarian aid contained expired medical supplies, food packets, and other essential items. The aid was sent to assist victims of Cyclone Ditwah, which caused landslides and flooding across the island. Sri Lankan authorities expressed “serious concern” over the unusable items and formally communicated their displeasure to Islamabad.
The incident has raised questions about the quality and seriousness of Pakistan’s humanitarian assistance, undermining its diplomatic image at a time when it is seeking to strengthen its influence in the Indian Ocean region.
Officials in Colombo inspected the consignment upon arrival and found multiple cartons of expired items. Civil society groups and social media commentators criticized the gesture as “an insult” and “a joke of aid diplomacy.”
This is not Pakistan’s first aid-related controversy. During the 2015 Nepal earthquake, Pakistan faced public outrage after sending beef-based ready-to-eat meals to a Hindu-majority nation, drawing accusations of cultural insensitivity.
Sri Lankan authorities have now announced plans to tighten inspection protocols for all incoming relief consignments, especially from countries with a history of sending inappropriate or substandard aid. The focus is on ensuring humanitarian assistance does not compromise public safety or diplomatic goodwill.
Sri Lanka has been severely affected by torrential monsoon rains and Cyclone Ditwah, resulting in landslides and widespread flooding. The disaster has killed at least 390 people and left 352 missing. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake declared a state of emergency, calling the event “the most challenging natural disaster in our history.”
Aid operations are ongoing, with governments and relief groups working to reach hundreds of thousands of stranded residents. Heavy rain has also affected parts of Indonesia, southern Thailand, and northern Malaysia, compounding regional relief challenges.
The expired aid incident has put Pakistan on the defensive, prompting concern over its reputation in humanitarian and regional diplomacy. Sri Lankan officials said the episode underscores the importance of strict oversight to prevent compromised relief efforts and maintain international credibility.
Civil society groups in Sri Lanka have urged their government to demand accountability from Pakistan. The backlash illustrates how humanitarian gestures, if mishandled, can lead to both public anger and diplomatic tension.
With Cyclone Ditwah relief efforts ongoing, Sri Lanka is focusing on addressing immediate humanitarian needs while reviewing international aid channels. The incident serves as a reminder that quality, timely, and culturally sensitive aid is crucial for both effective disaster management and maintaining diplomatic trust.
