“Students Are National Asset and Minorities Are Our Pride”: Punjab Minister

By Dr. Ansab Ali, Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore, Pakistan — A dignified dinner gala was held at the conclusion of the 45th Annual International Scientific Conference of King Edward Medical University (KEMU), attended by Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, as the chief guest. The Vice Chancellor of KEMU, Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ayaz, warmly welcomed the minister and praised his presence at the event.
Addressing the gathering, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora congratulated the university administration and organizers for the successful conduct of the conference and lauded the atmosphere of interfaith harmony at KEMU. He said, “We are all like one family,” and emphasized that the university and its students are a valuable national asset, regarded by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif as a national treasure. He reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to modern education, research, and the betterment of youth.
The minister highlighted KEMU as a historic institution for medical education and research, noting that its students and young researchers represent Pakistan’s bright future, in whom the government is investing fully. He added that while education is crucial, character remains the true identity of a student.
On the subject of minorities, Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora praised their contribution to Pakistan’s development since independence. He cited the Chief Minister’s statement in her first Punjab Assembly speech, saying, “Minorities are our pride.” He emphasized that Pakistan is a multi-religious country where people share in each other’s joys and promote peace and harmony.
Addressing misconceptions, the minister said that although sometimes it is suggested that minorities lack rights in Pakistan, the Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens. Students serve as ambassadors of Pakistan abroad, showcasing the country’s positive image. He added that recent Christmas celebrations, including an eight-kilometer-long rally on Mall Road, demonstrated Pakistan’s commitment to inclusion and harmony.
Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora stressed that under the leadership of the Chief Minister of Punjab and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, minorities are protected, their rights upheld, and their celebrations supported, presenting a model of a peaceful and harmonious society. He concluded that the old Pakistan is gone, and the government’s stance is clear: there will be no compromise on the rights of minorities, and they will continue to enjoy freedom and respect in the country.
The gala highlighted King Edward Medical University’s role in fostering academic excellence, interfaith harmony, and the cultivation of students as ambassadors of Pakistan’s values both nationally and internationally.