Punjab to showcase housing schemes
The Punjab government has reaffirmed its commitment to forging international partnerships for urban development as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Azerbaijan's capital Baku to represent Pakistan at the World Urban Forum.
The event is scheduled from Sunday to May 20.
According to an official statement, the chief minister was accorded a warm welcome at the airport upon her arrival along with a delegation. Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister for Defence Industry Mehman Bakhshiyev welcomed the delegation. Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov and his wife, as well as Pakistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan Qasim Mohiuddin and his wife, were also present at the airport.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will be the official guest of the Azerbaijan government during her visit and is scheduled to meet President Ilham Aliyev on Sunday.
The chief minister will also deliver a keynote address at the World Leaders Summit at Baku Olympic Stadium.
She will also present Punjab's "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" initiative at the World Urban Forum. The affordable "Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar" housing model will also be showcased at the international forum.
Provincial Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, Sports Minister Faisal Ayub, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani and Special Assistant Ali Dar are also part of the delegation along with the chief secretary and other relevant officials.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated in her message on the International Day of Living Together in Peace that observing the day aims to realise the dream of a peaceful, calm and dignified world.
She said Pakistan had strengthened its identity as a peace-loving country during the recent global crisis and rendered significant services for the promotion of peace and prosperity.
"Pakistan's recognition in the world as a peace-loving nation is a matter of pride for every Pakistani," she added.
The chief minister said the formation of a peaceful, harmonious, united and cohesive society was the essence of her struggle. She maintained that the Punjab government remained committed to building a society based on the principles of peace and tolerance. "By the grace of Allah Almighty, the law and order situation in Punjab is exemplary and much improved compared to the past," she said, adding that every citizen in Punjab, regardless of colour, race or religious affiliation, could live a dignified and peaceful life free from discrimination.
CM Maryam Nawaz said linguistic, social, sectarian and cultural tensions were detrimental to peaceful coexistence. She emphasised that the eradication of extremism was essential for promoting peaceful living together.
She said efforts to make women safe and empowered were also aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, adding that legal reforms were being introduced to ensure the elimination of violence from society.
The chief minister said the resolve to establish a peaceful society in the light of the teachings of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah remained unwavering. She noted that the younger generation could play a vital role in promoting the values of peace and tolerance.
CM Maryam Nawaz said every Pakistani was capable of living with peace, dignity and mutual respect. She added that the police and other institutions were being provided the best training and latest equipment to strengthen the sense of security among the people of Punjab.
"Achieving 100 per cent peace is our resolve, and we remain committed to providing all possible resources for maintaining law and order," she said.