Pakistan’s expired humanitarianism: How a performative nation keeps exposing itself, one rotten relief package at a time

There is a peculiar pattern in Pakistan’s behaviour whenever tragedy strikes a neighbouring nation. Natural disaster, humanitarian crisis, civilian distress, Islamabad treats it less like an urgent call for help and more like an opportunity for a self-congratulatory publicity stunt. It has become a professional habit: do the bare minimum, loudly market the gesture, and expect the world to applaud. Except, every time, the truth leaks out like the smell of expired lentils Pakistan keeps dumping as “aid”.

The most recent embarrassment unfolded in Sri Lanka. The island nation, already suffering from the wounds of devastating floods and a deadly cyclone, found itself at the receiving end of Pakistan’s “help”. Islamabad’s High Commission in Colombo proudly posted photos online, flaunting relief