Kartarpur Gurdwara restored after flood, reopening expected within days

LAHORE: Emergency operations to remove floodwater and restore the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara have been completed within hours on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with the shrine expected to reopen for international Sikh pilgrims within the next few days.

The Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara complex was inundated by unprecedented flooding, with water levels reaching 10 to 12 feet. Rescue teams evacuated Sikh pilgrims from the site using motorboats and moved them to safer locations.

Following the evacuation, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a large-scale cleaning and restoration operation. Suthra Punjab teams, along with officials from various government departments, worked around the clock to drain the floodwater, clean the premises and restore the shrine.

The Darshan Deori and other sections of the Gurdwara have been thoroughly cleaned, while the extensive courtyard has also been cleared and washed.

The Deputy Commissioner of Nankana Sahib personally supervised the restoration work on-site, helping ensure that the operation was completed in record time.

Officials said the Gurdwara is expected to reopen for Sikh yatris within three to four days.

Administrators and members of the local community expressed appreciation for the rapid restoration, saying they were surprised to see the sacred site cleared of floodwater in such a short time.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif reiterated her government’s commitment to protecting religious heritage sites and facilitating Sikh pilgrims visiting Pakistan from around the world.