AMRITSAR:
Pakistan
Punjab’s first Sikh minister for minorities affairs Ramesh Singh Arora, who is also the president of Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (PSGPC), is embroiled in a
controversy
after purchasing three luxury vehicles for around 5 crore Pakistani rupee. The money is alleged to have been taken from
PSGPC
accounts, even as a significant number of gurdwaras run by it require care.
A leader of PSGPC, on condition of anonymity, said two transactions — one of Rs 3.37 crore Pakistani rupee and second of Rs 1.6 crore Pakistani rupee — were carried out from PSGPC’s account for the purchase of cars. He said another transaction of around 1.8 crore Pakistani rupee was also carried out in recent past.
“Everyone is aware that Pakistan is going through a challenging phase, and the govt has advised implementation of austerity measures. PSGPC president should have refrained from making significant expenditures on luxury cars. He should have used the funds for the development of gurdwaras,” he said.
In March first week, Arora was appointed PSGPC president, replacing Ameer Singh. A few days later, Arora, who was elected member of the provincial assembly on Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) ticket, was appointed Pakistan’s first Sikh
minister
for minorities affairs in Maryam Nawaz’s cabinet. Arora acknowledged the purchase of three vehicles, but denied that vehicles were for personal use.
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