Flood-hit Kartarpur Gurdwara to be fully restored: COAS

Says it is state's responsibility to safeguard minorities, their places of worship

RAWALPINDI:

Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Friday reaffirmed the state's commitment to protecting minority communities and religious heritage, vowing to fully restore all religious sites damaged by the ongoing floods, including the revered Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the military's media wing said in a statement.

During his visit to the flood-hit areas of Punjab — covering Sialkot Sector, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur — the army chief reviewed ongoing rescue and relief operations and received detailed briefings on the situation and preparations ahead of the expected new rain spell.

Located in Narowal district, Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, one of Sikhism's holiest sites and the believed final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, was partially submerged after the Ravi River overflowed its banks, triggering some of the worst flooding in Punjab in over a decade, according to media reports.

Visuals from the site showed floodwaters up to four feet deep inundating the white-marble complex. Water also entered the sanctum, though authorities confirmed that the sacred Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib-ji and the volunteers were safely relocated to the upper floor.

The flooding has forced the temporary closure of the Kartarpur Corridor — a cross-border passage connecting the shrine with India's Gurdaspur district. Indian officials confirmed parts of the corridor are under water, leading to a suspension of pilgrim movement.

While interacting with members of the Sikh community affected by the flooding, Field Marshal Munir assured them that religious sites will be revived to their original condition on a priority basis.

"It is the responsibility of the state and its institutions to safeguard minorities and their places of worship," the ISPR quoted the army chief as saying. "The state of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to uphold its responsibility towards the minorities," he added.

The Sikh community welcomed the army chief's arrival with warmth at the flood-affected areas of Sialkot sector. "The community thanked the army chief for the services being extended by the civil administration and the army during the calamity," the ISPR stated.

During interaction with representatives of civil administration, Gen Munir appreciated the "proactive response which helped minimise the loss of lives and property."

Field Marshal Munir also conducted an aerial survey of the affected areas, including Kartarpur Sahib, and appreciated the troops and the civil administration for their "coordinated and untiring efforts" in rescuing and providing relief to the masses in the areas affected by the deluge.

Commending the troops on the ground, the army chief praised their high morale, operational preparedness, and dedication under challenging conditions. He appreciated their tireless efforts in assisting the public during the ongoing crisis.

Earlier on arrival, the army chief was received by the corps commander Gujranwala.