Chief of Army Staff Reaffirms State’s Commitment to Sikh Community, Vows to Restore Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur Damaged by Floods

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir today visited the flood-affected areas of Punjab, including the Sialkot Sector, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur, to personally review the ongoing rescue and relief efforts. During his visit, he reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to protecting minority communities and their religious heritage, vowing to fully restore all damaged religious sites, including the revered Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur.

The visit comes as multiple rivers in Punjab, including the Ravi, have overflowed, causing some of the worst flooding in over a decade. The 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’s banks burst. Visuals from the site showed floodwaters up to four feet deep, and while authorities confirmed the sacred Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib-ji was safely relocated to an upper floor, the incident underscores the scale of the disaster. The flooding also forced the temporary closure of the Kartarpur Corridor, a vital cross-border passage for pilgrims.

While interacting with members of the affected Sikh community, Field Marshal Munir extended his sympathies and assured them that the religious sites would be revived to their original condition on a priority basis. He stated,

“It is the responsibility of the state and its institutions to safeguard minorities and their places of worship,” adding that “the state of Pakistan will leave no stone unturned to uphold its responsibility towards the minorities.”

The Sikh community welcomed the army chief warmly, expressing gratitude for the services provided by both the civil administration and the army during the calamity.

The COAS 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. He received detailed briefings on the situation and the preparations for the expected new spell of rain. Commending the troops on the ground, the army chief praised their high morale, operational preparedness, and dedication under challenging conditions. His visit serves as a powerful message of solidarity and resolve, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their faith, are protected and supported during this national crisis.

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