SIALKOT; Floodwaters have submerged large parts of Kartarpur, including the historic Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, located near the Pakistan-India border. The Gurdwara, one of the most sacred sites for Sikhs worldwide, was established in the early 16th century by Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism. It also serves as the endpoint of the Kartarpur Corridor, a visa-free passage connecting Sikh pilgrims from India to Pakistan, which was inaugurated in 2019.
The region has a history of flooding due to heavy monsoon rains and nearby river overflows. In previous years, the area around Kartarpur has experienced similar inundations, causing disruption to both the local population and visiting pilgrims.
Currently, around 100 people, including 18 local pilgrims, are trapped inside the Gurdwara premises as floodwaters continue to rise. The Sikh community has appealed to the Government of Pakistan and international organizations to take immediate steps to protect the Kartarpur Corridor and the Gurdwara from further damage.
Rescue operations are underway, with authorities relocating residents living along riverbanks to safer areas. People have been advised to stay away from river-adjacent regions to prevent accidents and ensure their safety.
