Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, a prominent minority leader, has made history by being sworn in as a provincial minister, becoming the first Sikh to hold such a position in post-partition Punjab. Representing the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party led by former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Arora has returned to the Lahore provincial assembly for his third term after emerging victorious in the February 8 polls.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, aged 49, has recently been elected as the President of the Pakistan Gurdwara Parbhandhak Committee and appointed as the ambassador to the Kartarpur Corridor. His swearing-in ceremony took place alongside 17 others on Wednesday, where he was assigned the portfolio of minorities in the Punjab province’s cabinet under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who incidentally is the first woman to hold such a post in the country.
It is worth noting that Arora has strong ties with the military establishment, as revealed by sources. His brother is actively involved in managing the affairs of the Kartarpur Corridor, highlighting the family’s significant role in Sikh community-related matters.
Born on October 11, 1974, in Nankana Sahib and hailing from the Narowal district, Arora has an impressive educational background. He holds a post-graduation degree in social enterprise and has studied at prestigious institutions such as Government College Lahore, Punjab University Lahore, and Harvard Business School in the United States.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora’s contributions extend beyond politics. He is renowned for his activism in the realm of human rights and social work. As a prominent advocate for the Sikh community in Pakistan, he played a pivotal role in the passage of ‘The Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act 2018,’ which is aimed at safeguarding the rights of Sikh marriages. Thanks to his efforts, Pakistan became the first country to enforce the Sikh Marriages Registration Act, marking a significant milestone in ensuring minority rights.
Throughout his career, Arora has held several significant positions, including serving as a member of the National Commission for Minorities and chairman of the Standing Committee on Commerce & Investment. He has also been actively involved in various Sikh community organizations, serving as the General Secretary of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbhandak Committee from 2009 to 2013.
Arora’s dedication and contributions to society have been recognized and honored on numerous occasions. He was awarded the National Human Rights Award in 2016 by the President of Pakistan, underscoring his commitment to upholding human rights and promoting social justice.
Meanwhile, among the 17 others inducted into the Punjab cabinet alongside Arora is Khalil Tahir Sindhu, who has been assigned the portfolio of human rights. Sindhu, a seasoned politician, previously served as a minister in the 2013-18 Punjab cabinet under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, who now serves as the Prime Minister for the second term.
The inclusion of Arora and Sindhu in the Punjab cabinet reflects a broader commitment to diversity and representation in governance. Their appointments signify a significant milestone in promoting inclusivity and ensuring minority voices are heard and respected in the political landscape of Punjab. As they assume their roles, Arora and Sindhu are poised to contribute positively to the development and welfare of the province, furthering the principles of equality, justice, and human rights for all citizens.
