Meet Ramesh Singh Arora, 1st Sikh minister in Pakistan's Punjab
What's the story
Ramesh Singh Arora, a 48-year-old legislator from Narowal, Pakistan, has created history by becoming the first Sikh minister of the country's Punjab province. He was sworn in on Wednesday as a minister in the cabinet of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Chief Minister Maryam Nawaf Sharif, the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Here is everything you need to know about Pakistan's history-making Sikh minister.
Political journey
Know about Arora's political journey
Arora is a three-time member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Narowal and was recently elected as the Pakistan Sikh Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC) chief. He started his political career under the mentorship of Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, a top PML-N leader who recognized the significance of having a Sikh minority representative in the Punjab Assembly of Pakistan. The 48-year-old is also credited with bringing in the 2017 Sikh Marriage Registration Act in Pakistan.
Arora's family
Arora's background and family history
Born in Nankana Sahib, Arora's family reportedly remained in Pakistan during the 1947 partition of India at the insistence of his grandfather's close friend. He has a postgraduate degree in entrepreneurship and SME management from Lahore's Government College University. Before entering politics, he worked for the World Bank's Poverty Reduction Program in Pakistan and founded the Mojaz Foundation, which helps the poor and underprivileged.
Arora's goals
Arora's commitment to minority welfare in Pakistan
In an interview with The Indian Express, Arora expressed his delight over the landmark feat and revealed his plans for the future. "For the first time since partition, a Sikh has been inducted into the cabinet of the Punjab province (in Pakistan)," he said. "I won't just work for the safety and well-being of Sikhs but all minorities, including Hindus and Christians living in Pakistan," added the 48-year-old minister.
Future plans
His plans for interfaith harmony
Arora's goals include implementing the Sikh Marriage Act, which was passed but has not yet been enforced in Pakistan, he said. He also intends to introduce a new Interfaith Harmony Policy to ensure that all minorities, such as Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and others, feel safe and secure. Moreover, he intends to work toward ensuring that the 2% quota for minority students in Pakistani educational institutions is "implemented in letter and spirit," the minister said.