LAHORE, October 24, 2024 — In a productive meeting on Thursday, Provincial Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, hosted a US delegation at his office to discuss the Punjab government’s efforts to protect human rights, especially for religious minorities in the region. The delegation, including Deputy Assistant Secretary Jacobsen, Consul General Hawkins, Laskowski, Nelson, Lakhanpal, and political specialist Daim, commended Punjab’s initiatives to foster equality and cultural inclusivity.
Minister Arora highlighted Punjab’s strategic five-year plan, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, aimed at ensuring equal opportunities for religious minorities. He underscored Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s dedication to upholding minority rights, which includes forming a steering committee to promote Sikh heritage and boost religious tourism in Punjab.
Discussing cultural celebrations, Arora noted upcoming festivities for Diwali in October, Guru Nanak’s birth anniversary in November, and Christmas in December, events anticipated to attract over 60,000 Sikh pilgrims from around the world, including from California. He emphasized how these events project Pakistan’s positive image of religious tolerance and diversity.
The minister also mentioned plans for a local Kabaddi match among the Sikh community, with ambitions to make it an international event next year. In addition, he highlighted Punjab’s commitment to digital literacy and tourism enhancement, with ongoing efforts to formalize marriage acts for Christians and Hindus, following the enactment of the Sikh Marriage Act.
The US delegates expressed appreciation for Punjab’s initiatives, particularly the Sikh Marriage Act, and acknowledged Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s role in advancing minority rights. They assured their commitment to supporting human rights initiatives and poverty alleviation efforts in Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with Minister Arora presenting a commemorative shield to the delegation, marking a strengthened partnership between Pakistan and the US on human rights and religious freedom.