Fresh Aid Shipment Leaves Lahore
Pakistan has dispatched its 19th aid consignment for Gaza, continuing its humanitarian support for Palestinians caught in the war. On the instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a cargo plane carrying 100 tons of relief supplies left Lahore on Saturday.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) confirmed that the shipment was prepared in collaboration with Al-Khidmat Foundation, one of the country’s leading charitable organizations.
According to NDMA, the aid has been tailored to meet the urgent needs of displaced families in Gaza, where shortages of food, medicine, and shelter remain acute.
What the Shipment Includes
The consignment includes:
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Flour bags
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Ready-to-eat meals
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Cooking oil
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Canned fruit
Officials explained that these items were selected specifically to address nutritional gaps faced by families who have been displaced from their homes and lack cooking facilities.
The shipment reflects the broader relief strategy aimed at delivering non-perishable, high-energy food that can be consumed in crisis conditions.
Scale of Pakistan’s Aid So Far
NDMA’s spokesperson revealed that Pakistan has sent a total of 1,915 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza through 19 consignments so far.
These shipments have included:
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Food staples
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Medical supplies
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Tents and blankets
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Everyday essentials for displaced households
The relief efforts began soon after the escalation of violence in Gaza in October 2023, when Israeli bombardments displaced hundreds of thousands.
Prime Minister’s Commitment
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has repeatedly emphasized that Pakistan will not abandon the people of Gaza in their hour of need.
He has described the assistance as an expression of solidarity and compassion, noting that the supplies are humanitarian in nature and designed to ease the hardships of civilians trapped in conflict.
In public statements, Sharif has stressed that the plight of Palestinians remains a priority in Pakistan’s foreign policy, and Islamabad will continue to raise its voice in international forums while delivering practical aid.
Gaza’s Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The aid comes at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, worsened by Israeli airstrikes that recently killed 18 Palestinians. According to the United Nations, more than two million residents are facing acute shortages of food, clean water, and medical care.
Relief agencies warn that nearly half of Gaza’s population is at risk of famine if international assistance does not scale up rapidly. Hospitals are struggling with dwindling supplies, while thousands of families are living in makeshift shelters.
In this context, Pakistan’s aid, though limited in scale compared to global needs, represents a continuation of regional and international humanitarian solidarity.
More Shipments Planned
NDMA officials said preparations are underway to dispatch additional consignments in the coming days. The aim is to maintain a consistent flow of relief materials to help mitigate the crisis.
“Pakistan stands with the people of Gaza and will continue sending aid as long as it is needed,” the NDMA spokesperson said.
A Humanitarian Gesture
While Pakistan’s assistance does not directly alter the dynamics of the conflict, it provides critical relief for thousands of families struggling for survival. For Islamabad, the aid is both a humanitarian responsibility and a reaffirmation of its longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
As the conflict drags on, the effectiveness of such efforts will depend not only on the volume of supplies but also on safe delivery channels into Gaza — something aid groups continue to press for at international forums.
