On Tuesday, August 12, 2025, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities Affairs, Punjab, delivered a pertinent and absorbing lecture to the participants of 38^th SMC on “Issues and Welfare of Marginalized Communities in Pakistan”.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted marginalized communities in Pakistan and the efforts that the government has undertaken to make such communities part of mainstream society. He talked about changing mindsets to bring about tangible change in the lives of marginalized communities and how thorough economic empowerment, and social acceptability these communities could thrive.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora discussed important legislation enacted such as the “Punjab Sikh Anand Karaj Marriage Act, 2018” and “Punjab Hindu Marriage (Marriage Registrar) Rules, 2024” to facilitate marginalized communities. He also spoke about issues such as forced marriages and forced conversions faced by some persons belonging to minorities and how these could be dealt with by enforcing relevant laws and imparting strict punishments to offenders. Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora concluded the session by remarking that we must all play our part for developing an inclusive society that is respectful and tolerant towards all citizens of Pakistan.