Islamabad: The Pakistani government has established a relief fund to provide support to Palestinians and Lebanese affected by ongoing Israeli military actions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced this initiative during a review meeting in Islamabad on the government’s relief efforts for the people of Gaza, Palestine, and Lebanon.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized Pakistan’s solidarity with Muslims in these regions, stating that the country will not leave them alone in their time of crisis. He urged the Pakistani public, particularly those with financial means, to contribute generously to the relief fund. Donations can be deposited in the account IBAN: PK11SBPD0000001111114292, Raast ID: 01111114292.
The Prime Minister also announced that additional humanitarian aid, including 3,000 tents and 12,000 blankets, will be sent to Palestinians and Lebanese in preparation for the winter season. He directed Pakistan’s ambassadors in neighboring countries to provide assessments on the required number of tents and blankets. Pakistan is also sending food and medicines to aid those suffering under the ongoing Israeli bombardment.
Sharif commended the role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that are collaborating with the government in its relief efforts and emphasized that there should be no compromise on the quality of the goods being sent. He also condemned Israel’s obstruction of aid to Palestinians, warning that Israeli aggression is now affecting the entire region.
The meeting was informed that since October 8, twelve consignments of relief goods have been dispatched to Palestine and Lebanon. These include six chartered flights, three special flights by the Pakistan Air Force, and three sea cargo shipments, delivering 3,145 tents, 12,625 blankets, food supplies, dry milk, and medicines. An additional 3,000 tents and 12,000 blankets are to be sent on upcoming flights.
Prime Minister Sharif further noted that the first group of Palestinian medical students had arrived in Lahore, with a second group recently arriving in Islamabad. He directed that measures be taken to ensure other Palestinian students can continue their education at Pakistani universities.