Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed the authorities concerned to enforce a strict ban on wall chalking across the province. She has decided to transform rampant encroachments across Punjab into beauty and clean walls. Authorities concerned briefed that on her directions, a magnificent and unique beautification plan will be implemented in every city for the first time in history. They said that walls of government and private buildings across the province would be cleaned by removing wall chalking. They added that 132 beautification schemes would be completed in 39 districts of Punjab at a cost of Rs 16.5 billion, adding that work has already been started on 122 beautification schemes.
Relevant authorities briefed Chief Minister Punjab that a target has been set to complete beautification schemes in Lahore, Bahawalpur, DG Khan, Sargodha, Gujarat, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi by June 2026. They apprised her that schemes in Multan are expected to be completed by November, those in Gujranwala by the end of December, while 24 beautification schemes in Sahiwal will be completed by March 2026. They said that besides upgradation of roads and markets in every city, tuff tiles will also be installed, because uplifting and beautification will make central markets look beutiful and attractive. They added that ancient gates and traditional markets in various cities would also be given a beautiful look through remodeling.
Separately, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif warmly welcomed and met German Parliament Member Derya Türk-Nachbaur for a detailed discussion on matters relating to bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, women empowerment, education, youth exchanges, environment and clean energy. She thanked Germany for its solidarity during recent floods, and said, “It is an honor for me to welcome our distinguished guests from Germany in Lahore, the historical and cultural heart of Punjab.” She also congratulated Germany’s Friedrich Ebert Foundation on its 100th anniversary, and appreciated its 35 years of service in Pakistan.
Chief Minister said that Friedrich Ebert Foundation has played a significant role in promoting democracy, social justice and mutual dialogue in Pakistan and Germany. She added that expression of sympathy and solidarity during recent floods is a reflection of long-standing Pak-German friendship. She highlighted, “Pakistan and Germany believe in democracy, tolerance and parliamentary governance, which are basis of peace, progress and prosperity.”
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif acknowledged that it was a pleasure to meet German parliamentarian Derya Türk-Nachbaur, as her work is a wonderful example of inclusive policy-making, gender equality and promotion of human rights. She proposed to organize training workshops on democratic governance for legislators, young leaders and women assembly members under Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and said that an exchange of Punjab and German parliamentarians would provide an opportunity to learn from German model of federal cooperation and local autonomy. She added that parliamentary cooperation is a bridge of public trust and mutual understanding that strengthens Pak-German relations. She noted thst Germany has been a reliable development partner of Pakistan since 1990, as its cooperation has played a significant role in promoting environment, training, energy, health and economic empowerment of women in Punjab.
Chief Minister Punjab expressed a desire to adopt Germany’s dual vocational training model to increase employability of youth. She said that the growth of Pakistan-Germany bilateral trade to US$ 3.6 billion in 2024 was a good sign. She added that Punjab welcomes further German investment in renewable energy, agricultural technology, IT services and clean manufacturing sectors. She underscored that education is a key pillar of Punjab government’s reform agenda, as we are working on curriculum innovation, digital learning and promoting global research linkages, as currently, more than 10,000 Pakistani students are studying in German universities. She highlighted that women empowerment is a central component of Punjab’s social policy, as E-bike scheme, Honhar scholarship program and women’s enclaves are ensuring safe and dignified economic participation of women.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif congratulated people of Gilgit-Baltistan on their Independence Day from Dogra Raj, and said that Gilgit-Baltistan presents a beautiful and magnificent picture of Pakistan. She added that brave people of Gilgit-Baltistan are pride of Pakistan, as the unparalleled traditions and magnificent culture of Gilgit-Baltistan are a source of interest and attraction for tourists.