Military leader guarantees expeditious reestablishment of Sikh congregational sites

Flood Relief Efforts in Punjab: Pakistan Army and Sikh Community Unite

Heavy rainfall in Punjab, Pakistan, has resulted in 'exceptionally high' floods that have claimed at least 20 lives and threatened many more. Amidst this crisis, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, has visited flood-affected areas, including Sialkot, Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur.

The visit followed India's release of water into Pakistan, which submerged several villages, including Kartarpur, home to the historic shrine believed to be the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev. The sacred Sikh shrine was partially submerged after the Ravi River overflowed, but an operation to drain out floodwater was completed within one day. The shrine is expected to re-open for yatrees soon.

The Sikh community has highly appreciated the COAS's visit and the prompt relief operations. Sikh leader Ramesh Singh Arora thanked Field Marshal Munir for the timely relief efforts during the floods. The Sikh community also paid tribute to him for the timely relief efforts at Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.

Sikhs around the world have expressed their love and sympathies towards Pakistan. Many pilgrims returning from Pakistan often express that they do not want to leave due to the love they receive. Arora stated that Pakistan is the safest country for minorities, as expressed by Sikhs from around the world.

The Pakistan Army is working shoulder to shoulder with the civil administration, establishing several rescue and relief camps. So far, thousands of people along with their livestock have been shifted to safe places from several villages. Arrangements have been made to provide essential medical assistance to the affected people.

In a statement, Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, reaffirmed the government's commitment to safeguarding religious heritage and ensuring the facilities for Sikh pilgrims. Under her directives, Suthra Punjab teams and officials from multiple government departments worked round the clock to clean the premise of Gurdwara Sri Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.

Field Marshal Munir assured the early restoration of all places of worship for the Sikh community, prioritizing the restoration of Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur. In a show of solidarity, he emphasized that the relationship between Pakistan and the Sikh community will always remain strong and everlasting.

The District Administration, the Police, and the Irrigation Department jointly set up relief centers to evacuate people and livestock from affected villages during the ongoing floods in Punjab. The COAS's visit and the relief efforts have been widely appreciated by the Sikh community, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and mutual respect between Pakistan and the Sikh community.

Military leader guarantees expeditious reestablishment of Sikh congregational sites