Ramesh Singh Arora: First Sikh minister in Pakistan's Punjab

[FearlessRoar]

I hope that minorities in Pakistan will receive even more rights in the future that they deserve. Is Maryam Nawaz deserving of praise for bringing the first Sikh into her Cabinet?

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Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, 48, is a legislator from the Pakistani district of Narowal.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, a three-time member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) in Pakistan, became the first member of the Sikh community to take oath as a minister in the Punjab province on Wednesday, representing the minority in the provincial assembly. The cabinet in the province was formed by the newly elected Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) government led by chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the daughter of the three-time former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, 48, is a legislator from the Pakistani district of Narowal. In a phone call with The Indian Express, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said, “It is for the first time since Partition in 1947 that a Sikh has been inducted in the cabinet of Punjab province. I won’t just work for the safety and well-being of Sikhs but all minorities, including Hindus and Christians living in Pakistan.”

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, born in Nankana Sahib, holds a postgraduate degree in entrepreneurship and SME management from Government College University, Lahore.

Before entering politics, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora contributed to the World Bank's Poverty Reduction Programme in Pakistan. In 2008, he established the Mojaz Foundation, dedicated to assisting the underprivileged in Pakistan.

In the recent Pakistani elections, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora was re-elected as MPA from Narowal, his hometown and the location of Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib, Guru Nanak's final resting place. He was also appointed as “Ambassador at Large” for the Kartarpur Corridor last year.

According to The Indian Express report, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora mentioned that during the 1947 partition, his family opted to remain in Pakistan rather than migrate to India, unlike the majority of Sikh/Hindu families. “I was born in Nankana Sahib but later we moved to Narowal. My grandfather had chosen to stay back in Pakistan during partition on the insistence of his dear friend. Just for the sake of friendship, he had chosen to stay back,” he said.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora played a significant role in implementing the Sikh Marriage Registration Act 2017 in Pakistan. He introduced the bill as a private member and unanimously passed by the Assembly in March 2018.

Recently, Arora was unanimously elected as the president of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) for a three-year term.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora was unanimously elected as the President of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) on March 1, serving a three-year term.

Arora, PML-N, was also appointed as the ambassador to the Kartarpur Corridor last year, succeeding Sardar Ameer Singh.

The Kartarpur Corridor connects Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district, India. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor in November 2019 to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak, facilitating Indian Sikh pilgrims' visa-free visits to one of their religion's holiest sites in Pakistan.

Meet Ramesh Singh Arora, first Sikh minister in Pakistan's Punjab

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, 48, is a legislator from the Pakistani district of Narowal.

www.hindustantimes.com

 

[Cricket Warrior]

good to see our sikh brothers are also participating in the development of Pakistan.

 

[hassan918]

All appointments should be done on merit without considering the religion, gender and personal benefits.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

All appointments should be done on merit without considering the religion, gender and personal benefits.

In a country like Pakistan only someone who is a minority themselves can understand minority issues, concerns and worries.

This is a good step by Maryam.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Good to hear that minorities are getting representation in the assembly. Sikhs always have been good towards Pakistan so I hope they work for the betterment or every individual.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Arora vows to protect minorities’ rights

Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora Tuesday in a statement thanked the leadership of the PMLN for entrusting responsibility to protect rights of religious minorities. He vowed utilising all available resources of the provincial government to protect rights of religious minorities in the province. Arora in the past has made successful efforts in terms of turning Pakistan the first country where the Sikh Marriage Registration Act is in force.

Arora vows to protect minorities’ rights

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora Tuesday in a statement thanked the leadership of the PMLN for entrusting responsibility to protect rights of religious minorities. He...

www.thenews.com.pk

 

[FearlessRoar]

Ramesh Singh Arora, Azma Bokhari survive car accident in Lahore​

Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora and PML-N leader Uzma Bukhari escaped unharmed after their vehicle was involved in a traffic accident on Canal Road in Lahore.

The incident occurred near Jail Road underpass, where four vehicles collided, according to police reports.

The minister and Azma Bokhari were en route to attend an event when the accident happened.

Fortunately, both individuals remained unscathed despite the impact. Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the multi-vehicle collision.

The incident briefly caused traffic congestion in the area but was swiftly managed by local traffic police.

Ramesh Singh Arora, Azma Bokhari survive car accident in Lahore

Authorities are investigating the circumstances leading to the multi-vehicle collision

www.samaa.tv

 

[FearlessRoar]

Indian Hindu pilgrims praise Pakistan's hospitality; depart after rituals at Katas Raj​

After completing their religious rituals at the historic Katas Raj temples, Indian Hindu pilgrims have departed for their homeland, carrying cherished memories of their visit.

Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, bid farewell to the pilgrims, highlighting the government's commitment to ensuring the comfort and safety of visiting religious delegations. Party leader Trilok Chand expressed gratitude, stating, "The people of Pakistan are loving and hospitable."

The pilgrims appreciated the excellent accommodation facilities provided at the Katas Raj temple complex and extended their thanks to the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) for the well-organized arrangements. "We are deeply thankful to the Government of Pakistan and the Trust Board administration for their warm hospitality," said Trilok Chand.

Senior religious leader Goswami Ji acknowledged that Hindu religious sites in Pakistan are well-preserved and maintained in their original state. "The efforts to protect and renovate Katas Raj Temple as part of Hindu heritage are truly commendable," added Trilok Chand.

ETPB Additional Secretary Saifullah Khokhar reassured the visitors that Pakistan remains committed to welcoming and hosting religious pilgrims with open arms. "All relevant institutions have played a commendable role in facilitating the visit," he noted.

Indian Hindu pilgrims praise Pakistan's hospitality; depart after rituals at Katas Raj

Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, bid farewell to the pilgrims

www.samaa.tv