Pakistan’s effort to demonstrate solidarity with flood-affected Sri Lanka turned controversial after relief packages bound for Colombo, shared by the Pakistan High Commission itself, appeared to show expired dates, sparking widespread criticism on social media.
The backlash came shortly after the High Commission posted photographs of the shipment on X, shwowing Islamabad’s aid to Sri Lanka.
Several packages in the consignment displayed labels marked “EXP: 10/2024,” leading to accusations that Pakistan had sent expired products to a country grappling with one of its worst flooding disasters in recent years.
“Always standing together, Pakistan stands with Sri Lanka today and always,” the High Commission stated while announcing the delivery of relief supplies for displaced families.
However, the message of support was quickly overshadowed by the images. Social media users pointed out the “EXP” marking, understood as “expiry date,” noting that October 2024 had already passed.
Hi @PakinSriLanka, Just noticed you’re sending EXPIRED relief materials to Sri Lanka. https://t.co/xEVfHSoLra pic.twitter.com/o7KOx93Nsi
— Shiv Aroor (@ShivAroor) December 2, 2025
Critics condemned the shipment as disrespectful to disaster victims and questioned why the High Commission had publicly posted photographs without verifying the labels. So far, Pakistan has not issued a formal clarification.
After facing the criticism, the the Pakistan High Commission has removed the post.
While Pakistan faced scrutiny over its supplies, India launched a large-scale humanitarian operation to aid Sri Lanka after Cyclone Ditwah caused severe flooding, casualties, and widespread disruption.
Under Operation Sagar Bandhu, India has delivered 53 tonnes of relief material via air and sea since 28 November. Over 2,000 stranded Indians have also been evacuated, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“NDRF teams continue search and rescue in isolated areas. Over 150 persons have been rescued,” the MEA said. Relief supplies were transported on Indian Air Force aircraft and Navy ships, including INS Vikrant, INS Udaygiri, and INS Sukanya.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared a photograph of INS Sukanya arriving in Trincomalee with humanitarian aid.
