ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is set to send the first consignment of relief assistance to flood-hit Malaysia on Sunday morning.

On directions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the National Disaster Management Authority has coordinated the first consignment through a chartered plane from Islamabad International Airport to Kuala Lumpur.

Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada, first secretaryembassy ofMalaysia Zulasri Rosdi, foreign ministry and NDMA officials would grace the departure ceremony at Islamabad International Airport.

The consignment comprises 40 tonnes of food paeks, winterized tents, blankets and medicines. As per current need of flood-affected people in Malaysia, a second consignment of equal volume is scheduled to depart next week further reinforcing Pakistan`s steadfast commitment to assisting flood-hit Malaysia.

The federal minister earlier expressed sincere condolences for loss of precious lives due to flood in Malaysia and assured of help from the government and people of Pakistan.

The monsoon season in Malaysia brought heavy rainfall and flash floods to nine eastern states, affecting 137,410 people across 38 districts. As a result, 40,922 families have sought refuge. The persistent rainfall is expected to continue for two months.

`Having faced its own share ofnaturaldisasters, Pakistan deeply understands the challenges and hardships such calamities bring. This shared understanding and empathy drive Pakistan`s efforts to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Malaysia in its recovery journey,` a statement released by the NDMA read.