Kartarpur Sahib Rescue Stands Out as Punjab Faces Worst Flood Since 1988

LAHORE,Ali Imran Chattha(Nazrana Times)

Punjab is reeling under its worst flood in 37 years, with torrential monsoon rains and sudden water releases from Indian dams submerging vast riverine belts and displacing more than 1.1 million people. The disaster has triggered an unprecedented rescue operation led by the federal and provincial governments under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the urgent need for new water reservoirs, including Diamir Bhasha and Mohmand dams, to counter recurring floods. “This sense of cooperation has helped minimize losses,” he said, praising coordination between the army, civil authorities, and volunteers.

Flood Impact by the Numbers

1,652 villages submerged

1.1 million+ people displaced

15 deaths in Punjab; 800+ nationwide

1 million+ cusecs water discharge at Khanki & Qadirabad

Evacuations: Chenab – 1,009,000; Sutlej – 127,000; Ravi – 11,000

Heroic Rescue at Kartarpur Sahib

The revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, Narowal, was inundated after the Ravi River overflowed. More than 150 pilgrims and staff were rescued in a joint effort by the Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122, and local authorities under the supervision of Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Punjab Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, and DC Narowal Syed Hassan Raza. No casualties were reported. CM Maryam Nawaz ordered immediate water drainage to safeguard the holy site, reaffirming, “The safety of our Sikh brothers and sisters is our priority.”

Leadership in Action

PM Shehbaz: Chaired emergency meetings, ordered 5,000 tents, directed NDMA to enhance early warning, visited Narowal.

CM Maryam: Presided crisis meetings, visited Shahdara for Ravi monitoring, canceled hospital staff leaves, approved army deployment in seven districts, launched PDMA Flood Survey 2025, and restricted risky tourism. “No life should be lost,” she declared.

Emergency Response

700+ relief camps established

265 medical camps, 2,600 treated

214 veterinary camps

130+ boats, 1,300 life jackets, 245 life rings in use

Controlled Chenab breaches to protect cities

Awareness drives through mosques & signboards

Climate Warnings & Political Reckoning

Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal said India suffered less damage due to better defenses, urging Pakistan to invest in resilient infrastructure. Opposition leaders blamed encroachments and poor planning. Meteorological forecasts warn of more heavy rainfall in Punjab, KP, GB, and AJK.

Cross-Border Dimension

Pakistan has lodged protests over India’s sudden water releases without notice under the Indus Waters Treaty. India cites emergency reservoir management. Experts call for improved real-time coordination to avoid future crises.

The Road Ahead

As floodwaters move south towards Sindh, rehabilitation is the next major challenge. Global aid, including $1 million from the Gates Foundation via WHO, is arriving. Experts warn that unless Pakistan invests in climate-resilient infrastructure and stronger water diplomacy, the cycle of devastation will persist.