On 23^rd February, 2026, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities Affairs, Punjab delivered a pertinent and informative lecture to the participants of 39^th SMC on “Issues and Welfare of Marginalized Communities in Pakistan”, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora is a long standing member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab. He has served as Chairman, Standing Committee on Commerce and Trade, Chairman, Standing Committee on Human Rights and Minorities Affairs and plays a prominent role to protect the rights of marginalized communities.

Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora highlighted the issues of marginalized communities in Pakistan. He talked about changing mindsets of the people to bring about tangible change in the lives of marginalized communities and how through better governance, 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 improve the lives of 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 all Pakistanis, including all minorities must be viewed as contributing members of society and not just the dominant majority.