Ramesh Singh Arora, a seasoned member of the PML-N, secures his third consecutive term in the Punjab provincial cabinet, marking a significant milestone as he assumes his inaugural ministerial role. Renowned for championing minority rights, Arora and his family have long been devoted to safeguarding Sikh holy sites, notably in Kartarpur.
Pakistan’s Punjab province just witnessed history again! After having Maryam Nawaz Sharif as its first woman Chief Minister, Ramesh Singh Arora now becomes the very first Sikh minister in the Muslim-majority provincial cabinet. Arora, part of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), got elected for the third time in the provincial assembly, but it’s his first stint as a minister.
Originally from Narowal district, Arora is now in charge of the minorities’ affairs in the Punjab provincial cabinet, as reported by Geo News. Also, Khalil Tahir Sindhu, another member from a religious minority in Punjab, joins the cabinet with a focus on human rights. It’s a significant moment for diversity and representation!
Imran Khan’s party, PTI, had a Sikh representative, Mahendra Pal Singh, in Punjab Assembly. Sadly, he couldn’t return in 2024 as the party didn’t secure enough reserved seats. Since 1970, different parties like PML-N, PPP, Islami Jamhoori Ittehad, PML Quaid, and PTI formed governments. PML-N is unique for having the first Sikh MPA in the house and cabinet.
Who is Ramesh Singh Arora?
Arora, born in Nankana Sahib, holds a postgrad degree in entrepreneurship from Government College University, Lahore. His family’s tied to safeguarding Sikh holy sites at Kartarpur. In his first term from 2013-2018, he became Pakistan’s first Sikh politician in Punjab’s cabinet. Arora served roles like general secretary at PSGPC and was on the National Commission for Minorities. Advocating for Sikh Marriage Act and minority protection policies, he’s been active. Notably, his brother Manjit Singh Pinka was sought by India for the 1984 IC 405 hijacking.
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