Independent Report
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan’s humanitarian relief operation for cyclone-hit Sri Lanka has faced an unexpected impediment after the Indian government declined overflight permission for Pakistani aircraft, causing significant delays in aid delivery.
Cyclone Ditova struck Sri Lanka’s coastal belt on 28 November, leaving several people dead and injured, and displacing large numbers across affected regions. In response, the Government of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan expressed full solidarity with Sri Lanka, with the Prime Minister and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir issuing special directives to provide all possible assistance.
A 45-member Urban Search and Rescue team of the Pakistan Army, supported by the NDMA and Pakistan Air Force, was prepared to depart via a C-130 aircraft. The same team had previously demonstrated exemplary performance during relief operations in Türkiye.
However, the Indian government refused to permit the use of its airspace for this humanitarian mission. The restriction has compelled Pakistan to opt for alternate, longer routes, slowing the delivery of urgent assistance. Efforts to dispatch 100 tons of relief goods through commercial cargo aircraft have also been affected due to the same airspace limitations.
As a result, the relief shipment — comprising rescue boats, pumps, life jackets, tents, blankets, milk, food supplies, and medicines — will now take nearly eight days to reach Sri Lanka by sea. Meanwhile, Pakistan Navy’s PNS Saif, already present in Colombo for the International Fleet Review 2025, has begun supporting relief activities on ground.
Despite the hurdles, Pakistan has reaffirmed its resolve to continue assisting the people of Sri Lanka. The Indian government’s decision to withhold airspace permission during a humanitarian crisis is being widely viewed as an act contrary to the spirit of regional cooperation and compassion.
