CM Punjab Arrives in Baku to Represent Pakistan at World Urban Forum

Maryam stresses collective efforts for peaceful coexistence, rule of law

BAKU/LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has arrived in Baku on a three-day official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan to represent Pakistan at the World Urban Forum being held in Baku from May 17 to 20.

During the visit, the Chief Minister is scheduled to hold an important meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev on May 17, where matters of mutual interest, including urban development cooperation and investment opportunities, are expected to be discussed.

CM Maryam Nawaz will attend the forum as a special state guest, reflecting Pakistan’s active participation in international dialogue on sustainable cities and housing solutions.

At the forum, the Chief Minister will deliver a keynote address at the World Leaders Summit at the Baku Olympic Stadium, where she will highlight Punjab’s policy direction in urban planning, infrastructure development, and affordable housing. She will particularly present the provincial government’s flagship housing initiative “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” as a model for affordable housing, showcasing it as a scalable and inclusive framework for addressing housing shortages.

The project will be introduced before the international community as Punjab’s innovative approach to expanding home ownership opportunities for low and middle-income groups.

The CM is accompanied by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, Sports Minister Faisal Ayub, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Special Assistant Ali Dar, the Chief Secretary Punjab and other senior officials. The delegation is expected to engage in a series of high-level interactions and side meetings during the forum to explore international collaboration in urban development and housing sectors.

International Day of Living Together in Peace

Separately, in her message on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, Maryam said that the promotion of peace and prosperity requires sustained and collective efforts from all segments of society.

The CM said the day symbolizes the global aspiration for a peaceful, dignified and harmonious world. She said that in the wake of recent global crises, Pakistan has further strengthened its identity as a peace-loving country, adding that this recognition was a matter of pride for every Pakistani.

CM Maryam stressed the need for building a peaceful, united and cohesive society saying that the Punjab government was fully committed to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

She said that, by the grace of Allah Almighty, the law and order situation in Punjab has improved significantly compared to the past enabling citizens to lead dignified lives without discrimination of color, caste or religion.

She noted that linguistic, social, sectarian and cultural tensions pose a challenge to social harmony and must be addressed through unity, understanding and mutual respect.

She added that the elimination of ideological and practical extremism was essential for achieving a peaceful society. Highlighting government initiatives, she said efforts to ensure women’s safety and empowerment were a key pillar of building a peaceful society, while legal reforms are also being introduced to curb violence and strengthen rule of law.

The CM said the vision of a peaceful society in line with the teachings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah remains firm and unwavering. She added that the youth can play a vital role in promoting peace and tolerance.

She added that modern training and advanced equipment are being provided to police and other law enforcement institutions to improve public safety. She said Punjab was working with a resolve to achieve “100 percent peace” through the use of all available resources.