Info Minister rejects propaganda against Pakistan’s assistance to quake-hit Turkiye

Islamabad: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Marriyum Aurangzeb has categorically rejected the orchestrated malevolent campaign regarding earthquake humanitarian assistance being sent to Turkiye from Pakistan.

In a tweet on Sunday night, she said this misleading and fabricated propaganda spread by rogue elements is a shameful attempt designed to tarnish Pakistan's international stature.

We categorically reject the orchestrated malevolent campaign by rogue elements who are spreading misleading and fabricated propaganda regarding post-earthquake humanitarian assistance to Turkiye. Such shameful attempts are designed to tarnish Pak's int'l stature. pic.twitter.com/60T5foqaa0

— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) February 19, 2023

Earlier today, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif lauded the humanitarian organizations for their ongoing relief work in the earthquake affected areas of Turkiye and Syria.

Presiding over a review meeting in Lahore on Sunday, he said Pakistani humanitarian organizations are in the forefront to support their affected brethren and sisters in these countries.

The Prime Minister said for coordination purpose, all relief assistance for the earthquake-affected people of Turkiye and Syria should be dispatched through National Disaster Management Authority.

Shehbaz Sharif said relief assistance should be sent in accordance with the requirements of the earthquake-affected people and stressed upon ensuring of quality relief goods.

The Prime Minister also constituted a sub-committee to be headed by the minister for planning.

The committee will share information among the government and humanitarian organizations over the dispatch of relief goods.

The Prime Minister said through exchange of real-time information, the quake victims of Turkiye and Syria can be supported in a well-organized manner.

Chairman NDMA Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik informed the meeting that by the end of next month, Pakistan would send 1,00,000 winterized tents to Turkiye.

These tents are being prepared keeping in view the weather requirements and in consultation with the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD).

Faisal Edhi, Maulana Bashir Farooqi of Saylani Trust and Abdul Shakoor of Al Khidmat Foundation briefed the meeting about the details of relief consignments sent to the quake-affected countries which included tents, medicines, edible items, blankets and warm clothes.

The Prime Minister appreciated the working of the charity organizations and directed NDMA to keep constant coordination with them.