Colombo/New Delhi: What was supposed to be an act of humanitarian solidarity has turned into a diplomatic embarrassment for Islamabad. Pakistan is facing severe backlash after relief aid sent to cyclone-ravaged Sri Lanka was found to be expired — with printed labels showing the items were past their “best-before” date by months.
The consignment arrived as Sri Lanka struggles to recover from the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah — which displaced thousands and left widespread infrastructure damage. But when local authorities inspected the shipment, they discovered several food and medical items had expired, making much of the aid unusable.
Images of the relief packets with visible expiry dates quickly went viral on social media, triggering anger and mockery among Sri Lankans and international observers. Many described the aid as “dumped waste” rather than relief, accusing Pakistan of disrespecting a nation in distress.
In Colombo, officials reportedly expressed “serious concern” and communicated their displeasure through diplomatic channels, saying expired goods posed a risk rather than a remedy.
The Pakistan High Commission initially posted photos celebrating the delivery of “humanitarian support,” but shortly after the controversy erupted, the social-media post was quietly deleted — signaling damage control mode.
Meanwhile, India has stepped up its relief efforts with fresh supplies, medical assistance, and logistical support through Operation Sagar Bandhu, earning widespread goodwill in Sri Lanka.
The expired-aid episode has not only dented Pakistan’s credibility but has also prompted Sri Lanka to consider stricter inspection protocols for all incoming foreign relief in future emergencies.
As Colombo continues to grapple with the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, officials emphasize that humanitarian aid must meet basic standards — compassion cannot arrive with an expiry date.
