Latest news with #RameshSinghArora
Business Recorder
19 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘Hum Sab Pakistan': LCCI holds interfaith moot to express unity
LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Thursday organised 'Hum Sab Pakistan' Interfaith Conference to express national unity and interfaith solidarity. Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, former LCCI president Muhammad Ali Mian, former vice president Faheem ur Rehman Saigol, senior political figures including Liaqat Baloch, Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Chairman of LCCI Standing Committee on Interfaith Harmony Sardar Bishan Singh Bedi and religious scholars spoke on the occasion. Provincial Minister Ramesh Singh Arora said that holding such interfaith events is a need of the hour. He said that Pakistan is a country for all its citizens, regardless of religion or ethnicity. The efforts of the Lahore Chamber in advancing the cause of interfaith dialogue and harmony are truly commendable. It is time for all segments of society to unite and play a proactive role in building an atmosphere of respect, equality and peace. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad said that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry is committed to promote interfaith harmony and will continue to lead initiatives that bring different communities together under the banner of peace and patriotism. He said that we salute the armed forces of Pakistan for their unmatched sacrifices in protecting our beloved homeland. At the same time, we also recognise and deeply value the contributions of religious minorities in the nation's development. Their role in the country's progress, democracy and social fabric is nothing short of remarkable. He said that a strong economy cannot be built in isolation from a strong and cohesive society and that both are essential for long-term national stability. LCCI Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman stressed the need for unity. He said that we may belong to different faiths but we are united by one identity, Pakistan. Our purpose must be collective progress, national strength and peace for all. He said that mutual understanding and respect are the building blocks of a just and prosperous society. Former LCCI president Muhammad Ali Mian urged all segments of society to come together to build a stronger and more peaceful Pakistan. He said religious harmony is a necessity for national development. We must all work together to ensure that our future generations inherit a tolerant and united country. Chairman of the Standing Committee on Interfaith Harmony, Sardar Bishan Singh Bedi, praised LCCI's leadership for taking tangible steps to bring people of different faiths together. He highlighted how economic growth, communal peace and religious coexistence are interlinked and should be pursued together. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Church hosts interfaith Eid Milan party
An interfaith Eid Milan Party was hosted at the Naulakha Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, aiming to promote harmony, mutual respect and understanding among religious communities. The event was hosted by Reverend Dr Majid Abel, with Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Ramesh Singh Arora as the chief guest. The gathering brought together religious scholars and leaders from various communities, social organisations, and government representatives. Reverend Abel emphasised that the Naulakha Presbyterian Church has always stood for love, tolerance and mutual respect among all religions. He urged the society to collectively work towards a future free from discrimination based on colour, race or religion. In his address, Minister Ramesh Singh Arora reaffirmed the Punjab government's commitment to interfaith peace and harmony. "We are committed to ensuring that people of all faiths feel safe, respected and valued," he added. The speakers highlighted the importance of unity, religious tolerance and mutual respect. They also paid tribute to the Pakistan Army's successful execution of Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, recognising its role in securing peace and national integrity.
Business Recorder
02-06-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Creation of Pakistan: Minister highlights role of religious minorities
LAHORE: A thought-provoking and historic seminar titled 'The Role of Minorities in the Creation and Continuity of Pakistan' was held at Alhamra Art Council, Lahore, as part of the Jashn-e-Urdu celebrations. The event was graced by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Ramesh Singh Arora, as the chief guest. The seminar aimed to highlight the significant historical and contemporary contributions of religious minorities to the unity, development, and progress of Pakistan. In his address, Ramesh Singh Arora remarked that religious minorities in Pakistan are like vibrant colors in the bouquet of our nation, completing its beauty and harmony. According to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, we are all equal citizens. The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is transforming this vision into reality through inclusive and historic reforms. He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by minorities during the Pakistan Movement and acknowledged the contributions of individuals from minority communities in fostering education, political engagement, social harmony, and national progress. Ramen Arora also elaborated on several key initiatives currently being undertaken by the Punjab government for minority communities, including: Construction, renovation, and expansion of religious sites belonging to minority groups, Educational scholarships for deserving minority students, Legislative reforms for the protection of minority rights and Cultural and training programs to promote interfaith harmony. Mufti Ashiq Hussain emphasized the importance of interfaith unity and stated that Islam teaches respect for all communities. The development of Pakistan is only possible when we embrace diversity with open hearts. Macdonald Chandi, a well-known Christian community leader, appreciated the provincial government's outreach: Dr Majeed Able, added that the role of minorities in the Pakistan Movement has been understated in our textbooks. It's time to give rightful space to these heroes of history. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Health
- Business Recorder
‘Access to safe milk should be considered right not a privilege'
LAHORE: Ramesh Singh Arora, Minister for Minorities & Human Rights, Punjab, has emphasized that access to safe milk should be considered a right, not a privilege. 'Every citizen deserves access to clean, safe, and nutritious milk. Unfortunately, loose milk often contains harmful adulterants like urea, posing serious health risks. Packaged milk, on the other hand, maintains strict quality standards and offers a reliable alternative. The government of Punjab is acutely aware of the province's malnutrition challenges and is committed to ensuring safe milk reaches every household. We also recognize the negative impact of the current taxation on packaged milk and are working to address this as part of our broader health and nutrition agenda.' Romina Khurshid Alam, Minister of State & Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, emphasized the essential role of milk in ensuring nutritional well-being. 'When we talk about health and nutrition, milk stands out as the one element that completes the nutrition cycle. In the fight against malnutrition, a single glass of milk can make a significant difference - it's one of the healthiest, most complete foods we can provide.' They were speaking at recently convened a national seminar in Lahore to commemorate World Milk Day under the theme 'Safe Milk, Safe Nation: Affordable Dairy for a Healthier Nation.' The Pakistan Dairy Association (PDA) hosted the event which brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and dairy experts to advocate for a national shift toward safer, regulated milk and to explore the strategic role of the formal dairy sector in enhancing public health, food security, and sustainable economic development. 'According to WFP, stunting is costing Pakistan an estimated $6 billion annually. We must learn from global success stories. For example, China launched a school milk program in 2000 and saw measurable improvements in child growth 0.72cm in 7-year-olds and 0.46cm in 9-year-olds. They have successfully tackled malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies through such initiatives. As Chairman of the PDA, I believe it's time we ask ourselves: what do we need to do differently to achieve the same for our children?' said Usman Zaheer, Chairman – Pakistan Dairy Association and CEO Fauji Foods Ltd. He also expressed his gratitude to key government stakeholders for their ongoing support and emphasized the urgent need to address the country's nutrition crisis through strategic interventions like school milk programs. Dr Shehzad Amin, Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Dairy Association, opened the seminar by highlighting the central role of dairy in public health and national development. He said, 'World Milk Day is not just a celebration — it is a global moment to acknowledge nature's most complete superfood and its profound impact on nutrition, food security, livelihoods, and economic growth. Initiated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, this day honours the tireless efforts of millions of dairy farmers while spotlighting the sustainable development opportunities the dairy sector offers. At PDA, our mission is firmly rooted in ensuring that safe, nutritious, and affordable dairy is accessible to every citizen. We believe and advocate that safe milk is not a choice, but a fundamental right of every Pakistani.' Adding to this perspective, Noor Aftab, Director Corporate Affairs – Pakistan & MENA at Tetra Pak, highlighted the importance of innovation in dairy processing and packaging. 'Milk is more than daily nutrition — it's a cornerstone of public health, food resilience, and economic progress. Through advanced technologies and collaborative efforts, we are committed to making safe, affordable dairy accessible to every household in Pakistan,' he noted. The seminar featured in-depth discussions on regulatory reforms, standardization, certification, and enforcement mechanisms necessary to ensure the safety of milk. Key officials, Jahan Ara Wattoo, Vice Chairperson, Punjab Social Protection Authority, Dr Talat Naseer Pasha – DG PAFDA, Amina Rafique, ADG Technical, Punjab Food Authority, and Saqib Ali Ateel, Secretary for Livestock & Dairy Development, shared institutional strategies for quality assurance and public awareness. The role of the private sector in driving innovation and ensuring a consistent supply of safe milk was also a central theme. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Business Recorder
15-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Economic activities: Inclusion of minorities may help achieve economic stability target
LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora has said that inclusion of the minorities in economic activities could help achieve target of economic stability in shortest possible time. He was speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, Senior Vice President Engineer Khalid Usman, Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry, former Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar and Convener of the Standing Committee on Human Rights for Minorities Saleem Shakir also spoke on the occasion. The visit was marked by a shared commitment to promoting interfaith harmony, minority empowerment and economic inclusiveness across the business landscape of Punjab. In his address, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora said that minorities are vital stakeholders in Pakistan's development and must be included in all spheres of national life, especially economic policymaking and enterprise growth. 'The government believes in complete inclusion of minority communities in the economic mainstream. The time has come to provide targeted facilities and remove structural hurdles that hold back minority entrepreneurs', he added. He further praised the minority-friendly policies of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and highlighted her vision of an inclusive and tolerant society. He said that the inclusive policies of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz are reflective of Jinnah's Pakistan. Under one flag, we are united. Our Constitution gives minorities their rights and it is our duty to turn those words into action. He also paid tribute to the Sikh community worldwide for their unshakable support for Pakistan and lauded the role of Pakistan's armed forces in defending the rights of every citizen, regardless of religion or ethnicity. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad, in his welcome remarks, expressed his pride in the Lahore Chamber's diverse and inclusive membership, which includes a significant number of Christian and Sikh businesspersons. He said that the minorities have played an outstanding role in development of Pakistan 'It gives me great pride to say that the Lahore Chamber has always stood for the protection of human rights and equal economic opportunities for all citizens. Our Sikh and Christian members are actively contributing to the economic and social progress of Pakistan,' Mian Abuzar Shad added. He said that we appreciate the Government of Punjab for entrusting you with the important portfolio of Minority Affairs. The Minister's role in promoting interfaith harmony across the province is commendable. He assured LCCI's full support in any initiative that promotes peace, unity and inclusive economic growth. He also shared a comprehensive roadmap of the Standing Committee with the minister. The roadmap aims to illustrate how LCCI can play an effective role in interfaith harmony, human rights protection and the economic empowerment of minorities. During the session, participants paid rich tributes to Ramesh Singh Arora for his unwavering services toward interfaith peace building, social cohesion and policy advocacy for minority rights. The LCCI Vice President Shahid Nazir Chaudhry said that the business community and government should work together to uplift all segments of society, especially those that have been historically marginalized. The participants also made a human chain to expressed solidarity with the Pakistan's Armed Forces. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
