Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora: Pakistan’s First Sikh Minister in Punjab

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, a three-time member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) in Pakistan, has become the first Sikh minister in the Punjab province. He took oath as a minister on Wednesday, representing the minority community in the provincial assembly.

Inclusive Cabinet

The cabinet in Punjab was formed by the newly elected Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) government led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. The inclusion of Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora reflects the government’s commitment to representing all communities.

Vow to Support Minorities

In a statement, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, 48, 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.”

Background and Achievements

• Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora was born in Nankana Sahib and holds a postgraduate degree in entrepreneurship and SME management.
• Before entering politics, he 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.
• He was re-elected as MPA from Narowal, his hometown and the location of Gurdwara Sri Kartarpur Sahib, Guru Nanak’s final resting place.
• Last year, he was appointed as “Ambassador at Large” for the Kartarpur Corridor.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora’s appointment as the first Sikh minister in the Punjab province of Pakistan is a historic milestone. His commitment to supporting all minority communities, including Sikhs, Hindus, and Christians, reflects the government’s inclusive approach. With his background in social work and experience in politics, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora is poised to advocate for the rights and welfare of minorities in Pakistan.