Key Points
- Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif coordinated the restoration efforts, supported by the Pakistan Army and local authorities
- Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora condemned India’s release of floodwaters and praised Pakistan’s rapid and successful response
- The Gurdwara’s restoration preserved sacred relics, ensuring the continuity of Sikh heritage and faith
ISLAMABAD: The emergency operations to drain floodwaters and restore the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara have been completed, paving the way for the sacred Sikh shrine to reopen for international pilgrims within just a few days.
The restoration efforts were set in motion under the direct instructions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, following devastating floods that submerged the Gurdwara complex under 10 to 12 feet of water. As the waters rose, rescue teams acted quickly to evacuate Sikh pilgrims from the site using motorboats, ensuring their safety before beginning the critical dewatering and clean-up work.
A special team, known as Suthra Punjab, along with several government departments, worked around the clock to restore the Gurdwara to its former glory. Their efforts focused on draining the floodwater, thoroughly cleaning the Darshan Deori, and scrubbing down the expansive courtyard. To ensure that the work stayed on track, the Deputy Commissioner of Nankana Sahib supervised the operation, pushing for swift action to bring the Gurdwara back to life.
Thanks to these tireless efforts, officials have confirmed that the Kartarpur Gurdwara will be ready to welcome yatris (pilgrims) in just three to four days. Local leaders and members of the Sikh community have expressed their heartfelt gratitude, marvelling at how quickly the restoration was completed.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also took to social media to share her government’s dedication to preserving religious heritage, stating, “Kartarpur restored – from floods to faith. As a gesture of reverence to our Sikh brothers on both sides of the border, a special dewatering operation was carried out at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur, which had been completely inundated. It has now been restored to a dry, safe condition.”
As a gesture of reverence to our Sikh brothers on both sides of the border, special dewatering operation was carried out at Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Kartarpur that was completed inundated with flood water. It has now been restored to a dry, safe condition. pic.twitter.com/4U3Cjh4ReI
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 29, 2025
With the Gurdwara’s restoration now complete, the doors of this sacred site will soon swing open once more, ready to welcome Sikh pilgrims from around the world, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to preserving faith, heritage, and unity.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, had assured the world that Kartarpur Sahib remains unscathed, thanks to a heroic and rapid rescue operation led by the Pakistan Army and district authorities.
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Floodwaters Submerge Sacred Sikh Site Kartarpur Corridor After India Releases Water
As floodwaters surged across the region, threatening to engulf Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, one of Sikhism’s most sacred sites, the shrine stood resilient. Under nearly ten feet of water, it defied disaster, embodying the strength of both spiritual history and human determination. “India attempted to break the spirit of the Sikh community, and failed miserably,” Arora said, emphasizing that despite the deliberate release of 250,000 cusecs of water from across the border, Pakistan stood firm in protecting its people, heritage, and faith.
Arora hailed the tireless efforts of the Pakistan Army, local authorities, and emergency teams for not only saving lives but also safeguarding the invaluable scriptures and relics that define Sikh heritage. “Not a single pilgrim was harmed. Not a single scripture was lost. The legacy of Guru Nanak remains intact,” he affirmed.
He also praised Army Chief General Asim Munir for his leadership, describing him as a guardian of both national borders and religious harmony. Arora strongly condemned the Indian government’s actions, calling the release of floodwaters a calculated attempt to destabilise Pakistan and harm its religious minorities. However, he assured the global Sikh community that Kartarpur would reopen within days, underscoring Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to preserving the corridor as a symbol of peace and unity.
