US Air Force Delivers Initial Flood Relief to Pakistan at Nur Khan Air Base
A Boeing C-17A Globemaster III from the US Air Force touched down at Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpindi on Saturday, delivering emergency relief supplies for victims of Pakistan's severe monsoon floods. This arrival, initiated by a request from the Pakistan military, is the first of six planned relief flights from the United States.
The shipment included essential items such as food, medical supplies, tents, dewatering pumps, generators, and shelter materials intended for communities affected by the flooding. During a handover ceremony at the airbase, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, alongside the Commander of US ARCENT, officially passed the supplies to the Pakistan Army. As per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), these resources will be distributed through Army Flood Relief Camps.
The US Embassy in Islamabad confirmed the aid delivery on platform X by sharing images of the C-17A at Nur Khan Air Base. In their message, they stated, "We stand with the people of Pakistan in this difficult time," and conveyed their condolences for the extensive damage caused by the floods.
Strategic Debates Over Nur Khan Air Base
Although the aid was welcomed, the selection of Nur Khan Air Base has ignited discussions in Pakistan. Earlier this year, defense analyst Imtiaz Gul alleged that the strategically significant base is largely under US influence, with restricted access even for high-ranking Pakistani officers.
The base also holds recent military relevance. In May 2025, during India’s Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force targeted the airfield, leading to the destruction of its runway, hangars, and a 7,000-square-foot operations complex, as well as damaging multiple military vehicles.
Notwithstanding the controversy, the arrival of US relief flights highlights Washington's ongoing support for Islamabad during humanitarian emergencies. Five additional flights are expected in the coming days, strengthening Pakistan's efforts to aid those affected by the floods.
