Pakistan Army Chief Vows to Restore Flood-Damaged Religious Sites

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has pledged to fully restore all flood-damaged religious sites, including the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, during his visit to affected areas in Punjab's Sialkot sector. The army chief, accompanied by the corps commander Gujranwala, toured Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur to review relief operations and preparations for the next spell of monsoon rains. Pakistan has been grappling with weeks of torrential rains that have caused flash floods, swollen rivers, and filled dams, with over 800 lives lost since late June. Authorities have evacuated more than 210,000 people near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers after India released excess dam water downstream, issuing three flood warnings within the week.

Key Takeaways:

• Field Marshal Asim Munir has pledged to fully restore all flood-damaged religious sites, including the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, during his visit to affected areas in Punjab's Sialkot sector.
• The army chief, accompanied by the corps commander Gujranwala, toured Shakargarh, Narowal, and Kartarpur to review relief operations and preparations for the next spell of monsoon rains.
• Pakistan has been grappling with weeks of torrential rains that have caused flash floods, swollen rivers, and filled dams, with over 800 lives lost since late June.
• Authorities have evacuated more than 210,000 people near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers after India released excess dam water downstream, issuing three flood warnings within the week.
• Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed that the protection of minorities and their places of worship is a responsibility the state will never compromise on.
• The Sikh community welcomed he warmly and thanked the Pakistan Army for its support during the crisis.
• The army chief also conducted an aerial survey of Kartarpur to assess the damage firsthand.
• He praised the commitment, readiness, and high morale of troops and civil administration under challenging circumstances, acknowledging their vital role in minimising loss of life and property.

Statistics:

• Over 800 lives lost since late June due to flash floods, swollen rivers, and filled dams.
• More than 210,000 people evacuated near the Ravi, Sutlej, and Chenab rivers after India released excess dam water downstream.
• Three flood warnings issued within the week.
• Field Marshal Munir has vowed to give top priority to the restoration of Kartarpur and other damaged sites.

Sources:

• Inter-Services Public Relations (no date)
• Field Marshal Asim Munir's statement (no date)