Pakistan is facing major diplomatic embarrassment after humanitarian aid sent to Sri Lanka during the ongoing Cyclone Ditwah flood crisis was allegedly found to contain expired food items, triggering global criticism and intense social media backlash.
Sri Lankan authorities, already battling widespread devastation caused by the cyclone, raised serious concerns upon inspecting the relief consignment from Islamabad. Images circulating online revealed expiry dates of October 2024 on key food items such as milk powder and flour, sparking outrage among Sri Lankan citizens and the international community. Many have accused Pakistan of sending expired goods disguised as aid, calling it an “insensitive” and “irresponsible” act during a humanitarian emergency.
The controversy escalated further when the Pakistan High Commission in Colombo deleted its post on X (formerly Twitter) that proudly showcased the aid shipment. Social media users had quickly pointed out the expired dates, prompting a wave of criticism that forced the diplomatic mission to remove the post. The deletion has raised even more questions about Pakistan’s quality control, intent, and transparency behind the relief effort.
Sri Lanka has reportedly communicated its strong displeasure to Pakistan through diplomatic channels. Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has not yet issued an official statement or clarification, adding to the growing frustration and skepticism surrounding the incident.
The scandal stands in stark contrast to large-scale humanitarian operations by other regional partners, including India’s expanded Operation Sagar Bandhu, which has been widely praised for its timely and effective support. This comparison has placed Pakistan under additional pressure to address the lapse and restore diplomatic goodwill.
The incident continues to spark global debate about accountability in international humanitarian assistance, with demands growing for a formal explanation from Islamabad.