World Bank pledges climate investment

President Banga hails Punjab education initiatives

LAHORE:

A World Bank (WB) delegation has assured Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif of continued support and investment for climate resilience, digital governance and inclusive development in the province.

World Bank President Ajay Banga called on the chief minister along with his delegation and discussed enhancing cooperation in the sectors of health, education, housing, sanitation and climate resilience.

Ongoing World Bank–supported projects in Punjab were reviewed, and the overall partnership between the provincial government and the WB was discussed in detail.

According to a statement, the World Bank president termed the ongoing tourism, education, health and skill development projects in Punjab commendable.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on the occasion that the Punjab government values its partnership with the World Bank.

She emphasised that health and education remain top priorities of the provincial government, with significant investments being made in both sectors.

The chief minister said Punjab seeks sustained cooperation with the World Bank based on financial stability and viable business models.

She noted that the Connected Punjab Programme is being developed with World Bank support and stressed the importance of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF).

She added that the World Bank's collaboration would not only strengthen the information technology infrastructure in the province but also stimulate economic growth. The Punjab government has introduced various initiatives to improve digital payments, governance and agriculture, with digitalisation aimed at enhancing efficiency, transparency and development.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said initiatives such as the Nawaz Sharif IT City, global IT certifications and e-procurement are improving governance systems.

She highlighted improvements in irrigation systems with World Bank assistance, the provision of affordable housing through the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar programme, and the launch of social welfare schemes such as the Nigehban Package and Himmat Card for deserving segments of society.

In another development. Pakistan Muslim League-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif met Uzbek Ambassador Ali Sher Takhtayev. Matters of mutual interest and ways to enhance bilateral economic cooperation were discussed during the meeting.

The ambassador delivered a letter from President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the PML-N president. In his letter, the Uzbek president invited PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to visit Uzbekistan.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz lauded all relevant departments over the successful organisation of the Basant festival.

Chairing a meeting, she said that Generation Z had visited the Walled City of Lahore for the first time, leaving behind laptops and iPads to celebrate joyfully.

Praising the presentation of Basant to foreign guests, she said a large number of high commissioners, consuls general and other diplomats had visited Lahore for the celebration.

The chief minister thanked overseas visitors who came to celebrate Basant and said the younger generation experienced a safe Basant in Lahore's open skies for the first time.

Provincial Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari also expressed gratitude to the people of Lahore, citizens across Pakistan, overseas Pakistanis, foreign guests, and diplomats for the celebration of Basant.

She said Basant had been celebrated this year in a safe and successful manner, with participants arriving in Lahore from various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and the Middle East.