Ramesh Singh Arora: First Sikh Minister Of Pakistan's Punjab (image:twitter.com/SardarArora)

Ramesh Singh Arora became the first Sikh minister in Pakistan“s Punjab province on Wednesday. This marks the first time in history that a member of the Sikh community has taken an oath as a minister, representing a minority community in the Punjab provincial assembly.

Ramesh Singh Arora is a resident of Nankana Sahib, birthplace of first Sikh master Guru Nanak Dev. The 48-year-old is a three-time Member Provincial Assembly (MPA) from Narowal. He recently been elected as the head of the Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (PSGPC) for three years.

Ramesh Singh Arora belongs to the newly elected Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) government”s cabinet which led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaf Sharif. Maryam Nawaz is the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Ramesh Singh Arora has conveyed his commitment to serve all minority communities residing in Pakistan, including Hindus and Christians. “I won’t just work for the safety and well-being of Sikhs but all minorities, including Hindus and Christians living in Pakistan,” the Indian Express quotes as Ramesh Singh Arora is saying.

Besides, he has also stressed his plans to address the welfare of minorities, adding the significance of implementing legislation such as the Sikh Marriage Act and formulating the Interfaith Harmony Policy to enable the safety and security of all minority groups.

Before venturing into political field, he associated with the World Bank’s Poverty Reduction Programme in Pakistan. In 2008, Ramesh Singh Arora founded the Mojaz Foundation, devoted to assisting the underprivileged in Pakistan. Ramesh Singh Arora has received a postgraduate degree in entrepreneurship and SME management from Government College University, Lahore.

Last year, Ramesh Singh Arora was also appointed as “Ambassador at Large” for the Kartarpur Corridor.