Rawalpindi — Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding minority rights and their places of worship, pledging that all religious sites damaged by recent floods including the revered Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Kartarpur would be restored to their original state.
According to the military’s media wing, the army chief visited flood-affected areas in Punjab, including Sialkot Sector, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur, where he reviewed ongoing rescue and relief operations and received briefings on preparations ahead of fresh rainfall forecasts.
The Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur one of Sikhism’s holiest shrines and believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev was partially submerged after the Ravi River overflowed, causing some of the worst flooding Punjab has seen in over a decade. Reports indicated floodwaters rose up to four feet inside the complex. While water entered the sanctum, authorities confirmed that the Saroop of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and volunteers had been safely moved to the upper floor.
The disaster also forced the temporary closure of the Kartarpur Corridor, the cross-border passage that connects the shrine with India’s Gurdaspur district. Indian authorities confirmed sections of the corridor were inundated, halting pilgrim movement.
While meeting members of the Sikh community, Field Marshal Munir assured them that the government would prioritize the rehabilitation of their religious sites.
“It is the responsibility of the state and its institutions to safeguard minorities and their places of worship,” he was quoted by ISPR as saying. “Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling this responsibility.”
The Sikh community welcomed the army chief warmly and expressed gratitude for the relief efforts carried out by both civil administration and the Pakistan Army.
During his interactions with officials, Gen Munir praised the swift response of local authorities, noting that timely coordination had helped minimize loss of life and property. He also conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit areas, including Kartarpur Sahib, where he lauded the troops and civil teams for their “untiring and coordinated efforts.”
Earlier, the COAS was received by the Gujranwala Corps Commander.
