PM Shehbaz condoles Sri Lanka over deadly floods

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday offered heartfelt condolences to Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake over the catastrophic floods and landslides that have claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands across the island nation, his office said.

During a telephone call, the prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the widespread devastation and extended sympathies to the bereaved families.

He commended the swift rescue and relief operations undertaken by Sri Lankan authorities, military, and emergency teams under extremely challenging conditions.

Recalling Pakistan’s own experience with climate change-driven natural disasters, the prime minister reaffirmed Islamabad’s “complete solidarity” with Colombo during what he described as “an exceptionally difficult moment” for the Sri Lankan people.

Shehbaz informed President Dissanayake that Pakistan was immediately dispatching urgently needed humanitarian assistance as a gesture of support to help Sri Lanka cope with the aftermath of the cyclone and accelerate relief efforts.

The Sri Lankan president thanked Pakistan for its expression of solidarity and the timely provision of humanitarian aid, noting that Pakistan was among the first countries to respond following the disaster.

Both leaders also recalled their previous interactions and reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and development spheres.