Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has assured the Sikh community that all religious sites damaged in recent floods, including the historic Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, will be restored on priority. He made the pledge during his visit to flood-affected areas in the Sialkot sector on Friday.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief visited Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur to review ongoing rescue and relief operations, as well as preparations for the next spell of heavy rains.
(Source: Daily Ausaf)
Pakistan continues to grapple with torrential monsoon rains that have triggered flash floods, swelling rivers and dams. Since late June, the disaster has claimed more than 800 lives nationwide. The crisis worsened earlier this week when India released excess water from its dams, increasing flood levels in Punjab.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that over 210,000 villagers living near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers have been evacuated. Pakistan also received three consecutive flood warnings from India, the latest concerning the Sutlej River.
During his briefing in the Sialkot sector, COAS Munir appreciated the coordinated response of troops and civil authorities in minimizing losses. He reiterated that the state bears full responsibility for protecting minorities and their places of worship, emphasizing that Pakistan would leave no stone unturned in safeguarding these sites.
The Sikh community warmly welcomed the army chief, expressing gratitude for the relief efforts being carried out by the Pakistan Army and local administration. COAS Munir also conducted an aerial survey of Darbar Sahib Kartarpur to assess the damage.
While interacting with troops, he lauded their morale, readiness, and commitment to serving the nation in challenging conditions. Upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Corps Commander Gujranwala.
