Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) hosted a high-level coordination meeting today to optimize the ongoing humanitarian relief operations for Gaza and Lebanon, addressing both immediate needs and logistical challenges.

According to Press Information Department, the meeting, co-chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, and Chairman NDMA, Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik, saw significant discussions on improving the dispatch and distribution of aid. The ambassadors of Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq joined the discussions via Zoom, emphasizing the critical nature of the support provided by Pakistan during this tumultuous period.

Pakistan has already sent 12 consignments totaling 1,251 tons of essential relief items including tents, food packs, and medicines to the affected regions. The Lebanese Ambassador lauded Pakistan’s prompt response, noting it as one of the first three countries to deliver aid to Lebanon amidst the current crisis.

Further steps to enhance aid efficiency were outlined by Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who mentioned the Prime Minister’s direct instructions to support the afflicted areas. A new fund, the “Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for Gaza and Lebanon,” has been established to gather additional support from Pakistani citizens. The meeting also highlighted the implementation of a hybrid transportation model to improve the delivery of aid through combined air and road routes and stressed the need for better integration of food and non-food item suppliers.

The commitment to continued support for the people of Gaza and Lebanon was reaffirmed, with a focus on overcoming any logistical obstacles in future relief efforts.