ISLAMABAD: The coordination committee of National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday reviewed Pakistan’s ongoing humanitarian relief efforts for Gaza and Lebanon.

The committee meeting was presided over by Minister for Planning Development and Special InitiativesAhsan Iqbal and co-chaired by NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik.

Senior officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, Foreign Ministry, and NDMA also attended the meeting. Ambassadors from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq also participated in the meeting via Zoom.

The discussions focused on the urgent needs of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as logistical challenges in transporting aid to these conflict zones. Lebanon’s ambassador expressed gratitude, acknowledging Pakistan as one of the first three countries to extend relief during this crisis.

So far, Pakistan has sent 12 consignments totaling 1,251 tons of aid, with 10 deliveries directed to Gaza and two to Lebanon.

The relief packages include essential supplies such as tents, food packs, medicines, hygiene kits, winter bedding, and other critical items to support those affected by the ongoing conflict.

A statement issued here said that the minister emphasized that the prime minister had personally directed these relief efforts, underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to standing with the people of Gaza and Lebanon.

As part of this initiative, the government had established the “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon” to encourage public contributions for those in need.

Pakistan’s ambassadors to Lebanon, Palestine, and Syria briefed the meeting on the active humanitarian organisations working in the affected areas and outlined their distribution mechanisms.

Mr Iqbal directed NDMA to implement a hybrid transportation strategy that combines air and road routes for more efficient delivery of aid.

He also stressed the importance of integrating food and non-food item (NFI) suppliers to enhance the scale of assistance.

The meeting concluded with a firm resolve to continue supporting the war-affected populations of Gaza and Lebanon.

The minister reiterated Pakistan’s solidarity with the people suffering from the conflict and highlighted the need to overcome logistical challenges to sustain future relief operations.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2024