Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora Visits Gujranwala and Sialkot:

Promotes Minority Empowerment, Sports, and Interfaith Harmony

July 13, 2025: Nazrana Times Beuro

Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Punjab, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, undertook an important visit to Gujranwala and Sambrial (District Sialkot) where he participated in key events focused on minority welfare, interfaith harmony, and youth empowerment through sports.

During his visit to Gujranwala, the Provincial Minister chaired a high-level meeting at the Commissioner’s Office. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Syed Naveed Haider Shirazi, Deputy Commissioner Naveed Ahmed, DSO Faisal Amir Khan, local Christian leaders, church representatives, civil society members, and minority community representatives.

On this occasion, Ramesh Singh Arora distributed cash prizes of PKR 100,000 each to athletes from Gujranwala who secured three gold medals and one bronze medal in the ongoing international competitions held in Qatar. He lauded their achievements, terming the recognition a reflection of the Punjab Government’s commitment to youth development under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.

He emphasized that this step is part of the broader ‘Khelta Punjab’ vision which seeks to revive sports infrastructure and encourage youth participation at all levels, enabling them to bring glory to Pakistan on the global stage.

Addressing the meeting, Minister Arora reiterated the Punjab Government’s priority on the protection, development, education, and religious freedom of minorities. He stressed that minorities are being empowered at all levels to ensure their active participation in national development.

He called for effective administrative measures to guarantee the safety and sanctity of religious festivals and places of worship for all faith communities. The Minister also urged district officials to make Interfaith Harmony Committees fully functional, ensuring coordination with community leaders to resolve minority-related issues and uphold their representation with dignity.

Later the same day, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora attended a one-day interfaith prayer ceremony as the chief guest on Daska Road, Sambrial. The event, aimed at fostering interfaith unity and religious tolerance, was also attended by Punjab Advisory Council Member Sardar Jaskaran Singh and Dr. Shahid Parvez.

Speaking at the ceremony, Arora affirmed, “Pakistan is a shared homeland for all its citizens. The Constitution guarantees equal rights, religious freedom, and protection for every individual, regardless of faith.” He noted that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz regards minority communities as the "Crown of her head", which reflects the inclusive and progressive vision of the Punjab Government. He reiterated the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of places of worship, and enhance opportunities in education, employment, and welfare for minority communities.

He further highlighted that district-level interfaith committees are being activated to resolve issues locally and promote peace, brotherhood, and harmony across all communities.

The ceremony concluded with a collective prayer for national security, interfaith harmony, and the protection of minority rights. It was attended by notable religious leaders including Pastor Victor A.B. (Nigeria), Pastor Piroz Yaqoob, Pastor Jerome Younas, Pastor Irfan Shehzad, Pastor Zeeshan Gul, and a large number of Christian community members from Sialkot.