Army Commander Asim Munir pays a visit to the flood-affected Kartarpur Sahib corridor, located near the India-Pakistan border.
In the aftermath of severe flash floods, Pakistani officials have vowed to implement long-term measures to prevent future flooding at religious sites, including Kartarpur, by strengthening embankments, upgrading drainage infrastructure, and installing advanced early-warning systems.
The Pakistan Evacuee Trust Property Board has initiated restoration work at the shrine, with teams working tirelessly to clear water from the main courtyard, Darshan Deori, and inner sections. Across the border in India's Gurdaspur district, the town of Dera Baba Nanak, home to another sacred Sikh site, also faced rising river levels and flood risks.
More than 200 pilgrims were stranded at the Kartarpur shrine complex when waters surged overnight, but swift rescue operations with army assistance ensured their safety. Across Punjab province, flood waters filled Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib, and boats and helicopters were used to rescue over 100 people.
The shrine complex in Kartarpur has been extensively damaged due to the floods. However, Pakistani officials are optimistic that the shrine will likely reopen for pilgrims within three to four days, depending on weather conditions and the Ravi River's flow. Special precautions are being taken to protect the Guru Granth Sahib, Sikhism's holy scripture.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, visited Kartarpur on Friday to review the damage and ongoing rescue and relief measures. Munir also interacted with members of the local Sikh community, assuring them that all affected religious sites would be restored on priority. The floodwaters breached embankments along the Ravi River and Nullah Bae, causing the shrine to remain inundated for several days.
Officials in Islamabad acknowledged receiving at least four flood alerts from India, crediting them with averting a larger humanitarian disaster. Progress has been slowed by power outages and renewed rainfall, with officials using pumping machines and drainage channels alongside manual cleaning.
Pakistani officials have said that the shrine will likely reopen for pilgrims within three to four days, depending on weather conditions and the Ravi River's flow. Despite the challenges, the spirit of resilience and unity remains strong among the community, as they look forward to the restoration of their sacred site.
