Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari has said that the Pakistani Pavilion at the World Urban Forum held in Azerbaijan attracted significant international attention, where Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the pavilion and showcased flagship development initiatives of the province.
She stated that projects such as “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” and “Suthra Punjab” received strong appreciation from international delegates and global leaders, adding that under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” scheme, construction of 100,000 houses is currently underway.
Azma Bokhari said that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s public welfare initiatives have become a source of national pride, with several countries showing keen interest in replicating these models. She further added that Punjab has successfully achieved all wheat production targets this year, while both cultivation area and output have increased significantly.
She noted that farmers were offered better returns than the officially announced support price, and wheat-related trade has exceeded Rs. 100 billion, reflecting strong agricultural performance and economic activity.
The Information Minister strongly emphasized that hoarding and artificial shortages will not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that maintaining stability in flour prices remains a top priority of the government.
Responding to questions, Azma Bokhari said it is the government’s prayer that the world is protected from wars and conflicts so that global and national economies may stabilize, petroleum prices may decline, and inflationary pressure may ease. She noted that inflation is a global challenge and extended good wishes to leaders and countries working for peace and stability.
She clarified that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was invited to international forums purely on the basis of merit. She said that the UN-Habitat studied Punjab’s flagship “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” program in detail and prepared a report, which led to international recognition and participation.
Azma Bokhari added that Punjab government initiatives are gaining global appreciation, and various countries are showing interest in understanding and replicating these models. She said Punjab is also ready to share its successful governance experiences with other provinces as national progress is a shared goal.
She further stated that Pakistan’s global image has improved significantly, and recent diplomatic engagements have strengthened the country’s standing. International leaders have expressed goodwill and appreciation for Pakistan’s leadership and policy direction.
The minister informed that the Chief Minister held important meetings with various foreign dignitaries, including discussions with Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy on enhancing trade cooperation, particularly in the textile sector. Cooperation in culture and information sectors was also discussed, and an MoU between Punjab’s Information and Culture Department and Azerbaijani institutions is expected soon.
She added that meetings were also held on agricultural modernization and mechanization, with directives issued for actionable proposals and progress reports within a short timeframe.
Azma Bokhari said that arrangements for Eid-ul-Adha cleanliness and waste management were also reviewed, with follow-up meetings planned to ensure improved sanitation, organized cattle markets, and better public facilities compared to previous years.
She remarked that certain political elements attempt to spread chaos and negativity, while the Punjab government remains fully focused on public service, development, and economic stability. She reiterated that Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif is committed to service-oriented politics and welfare-based governance.
Regarding wheat, she confirmed that sufficient reserves are available in Punjab, and the province is fully capable of meeting the needs of other regions as well. She urged against spreading rumors of shortages or artificial crises, warning that such narratives only create unnecessary market instability.