The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has dispatched a new aid shipment weighing 16.5 tons to Turkey in response to the earthquake that caused widespread destruction and loss of life in both Turkey and Syria. The relief consignment was sent from the Islamabad International Airport on a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Boeing-777 on Friday.
Federal Minister for Energy Khurram Dastgir, Minister Safron Talha Mahmood, and State Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety Senator Faisal Kareem Kundi were present at the departure ceremony of the flight. The consignment consisted of large winterized tents, which are needed by the earthquake victims in Turkey.
The federal ministers expressed their sincere condolences for the loss of life due to the earthquake, and noted that Turkey has always been a steadfast ally, helping Pakistan in times of need, particularly during recent floods. Now, they said, it is Pakistan’s turn to return the favor.
Three flights carrying relief goods have been sent to Turkey on the orders of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The first flight was sent off by the Prime Minister himself from the Lahore International Airport via a Turkish Military Aircraft (A 400). Another flight, through a special PAF IL-78, will be seen off by Chairman NDMA Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik from the Lahore Airport.
The NDMA has already sent tons of relief goods and rescue teams to Turkey, and more assistance is being planned through air, road, and marine routes in the coming days, according to the NDMA chief.
