The traditional daily flag-lowering ceremony at the Ganda Singh Wala border between Pakistan and India has been suspended after floodwater submerged the parade ground and adjoining corridor, officials confirmed on Monday.
According to reports, the disruption followed a breach in the Ganda Singh Wala dam, which unleashed a strong flow of water into the border zone. The heavy flooding inundated the area where the ceremony usually takes place, making it unsafe for security personnel, participants, and spectators. Authorities announced that the event would remain suspended until the water recedes and conditions stabilize.
The impact of the floods has been felt far beyond the symbolic cancellation of the ceremony. In Kasur, where Ganda Singh Wala is located, the rising waters have devastated communities and livestock alike.
Villagers reported losing grazing areas, fodder supplies, and cultivated fields, leaving their animals to wander in search of food. Many flood victims, struggling with both personal losses and the challenge of keeping their animals alive, have appealed for urgent relief. “Don’t give us food, give fodder for our animals,” one resident pleaded, underscoring the seriousness of the crisis.
Officials from the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed that a “very high” level of flooding is being observed in parts of the Sutlej and Chenab rivers, particularly near Ganda Singh Wala and Trimmu Headworks. Rising levels in the Ravi River are also compounding concerns.
The PDMA warned that the situation is likely to persist until at least September 5. Moreover, forecasts suggest heavy rainfall in upper catchment areas until September 3, which could trigger urban flooding in major cities such as Lahore, Gujranwala, and Gujrat over the next 72 hours.
A day earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited Kasur’s flood relief camp, where she praised the efforts of rescue teams and local authorities. She announced a Rs1 million reward for Rescue 1122 in recognition of their swift operations and emphasized that while progress has been made, additional support and resources will be essential as floodwaters continue to advance.
The cancellation of the border ceremony—an event that typically draws large crowds and symbolizes the daily ritual of discipline and patriotism—has highlighted the scale of the crisis. For now, the focus remains on protecting lives, safeguarding livestock, and ensuring relief reaches those most affected by the floods.
