Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met with a high-level German delegation from the Hope Children’s Cancer Center. Both sides reached a principled agreement to support childhood cancer treatment in Punjab. The delegation was led by Dr. Stefan Michael, a German pediatric oncologist and neuro-oncologist, and included experts from Heidelberg University Hospital, the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and Hope Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ).
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that Punjab is the first province in the region to introduce ablation cancer treatment. She noted that the largest and most modern cancer hospital in Punjab, the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital in Lahore, is nearing completion. She praised the German center’s assistance for children’s cancer treatment at the Children’s Hospital Lahore and welcomed the introduction of advanced German technology in pediatric oncology.
The Chief Minister emphasized that joint training programs with German institutions will yield positive outcomes. She reiterated that the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital will be Pakistan’s biggest and most advanced cancer treatment facility once completed.
Heidelberg City Council Parliamentary Leader Wasim Butt spoke about strengthening educational and cultural ties between Lahore and Heidelberg. Heidelberg’s Lord Mayor Professor Dr. Eckart Würzner thanked Maryam Nawaz for her hospitality and said the cooperation marks a new chapter for both cities.
Dr. Stefan Michael praised the high standards of childhood cancer treatment in Punjab. He said collaborative training and knowledge exchange between German and Pakistani institutions will bring further positive results. Dr. Michael also noted that the Hope Children’s Cancer Center collaborates with Aga Khan University for cancer treatment in Pakistan.