By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Rizk paid a courtesy call on Punjab Minister for Minorities Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora at HR&MA Department.
Dr. Rizk thanked the Minister for his continued partnership with UNDP in advancing human rights, minority rights and gender-sensitive peacebuilding initiatives across Punjab.
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He expressed heartfelt condolences over the tragic loss of lives and the damage caused by the recent floods, including at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Narowal, and inquired about the status of Sikh and other minority communities affected.
The meeting focused on strengthening human rights protection, promoting interfaith harmony and supporting the Department in delivering its mandate. Dr. Rizk reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to provide technical resources for institutional strengthening and to collaborate on key initiatives, including advancing the National Action Plan on Human Rights 2026 and promoting Business and Human Rights in Punjab.
Minister Arora reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of religious minorities, noting progress on a five-year strategic plan and key legislative reforms, including the implementation of the Sikh Marriage Act, adoption of rules under the Hindu Marriage Act, and ongoing work on the Christian Marriage Act. He highlighted first-time facilitation of minority youth for admission to the Civil Services Academy, national and international recognition of Punjab’s E-Learning Program, and ongoing relief efforts for flood-affected communities under the Chief Minister’s directives. He also expressed regret over India’s decision not to send Sikh pilgrims to Pakistan, terming the move unfortunate and condemnable.
Dr. Rizk commended these initiatives and reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Punjab Government to promote human rights, protect minority rights, and strengthen institutional capacity across the province. Also present were UNDP Assistant Resident Representative Mr. Rana Qaiser Ishaq, Provincial Human Rights Officer Ms. Madiha Fareed, Additional Secretary Human Rights Ms. Rizwana Naveed and Consultant Mr. Syed Imran Sajjad.
