LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met with German Ambassador to Pakistan Ina Lepel on Monday, reaffirming Pakistan-Germany partnership in climate action, trade, education, and human development.
The CM lauded Germany’s support in modern agricultural technology, green innovation, forestation, and vocational training, highlighting opportunities for greater collaboration at the provincial level. She noted that bilateral trade reached US$3.63 billion in 2024, with Pakistan enjoying a positive balance, and 40 German companies already contributing to job creation in the country.
“Germany is a long-standing partner of Pakistan in tackling climate change, women empowerment, social protection, and human development,” she said, adding that upcoming G2G talks in November would further strengthen ties.
Maryam Nawaz underscored her government’s priority on environmental protection, citing the recent devastating floods and cross-border smog as key challenges. She briefed the envoy on Punjab’s massive rescue and relief efforts, including evacuation of millions of people and 2.2 million cattle during record floods.
Education, student exchanges, sports diplomacy, and cultural cooperation also featured in the discussion. The CM praised the role of Annemarie Schimmel Haus in Lahore and welcomed more sports exchanges, following the visit of Germany’s junior hockey team.
Ambassador Lepel, who visited the WASA Expo, commended the Punjab government’s response to flooding in rural areas.
Separately, on World Access to Information Day, the CM stressed that access to information is vital for transparent governance and public trust. She said digitization of Punjab’s information system ensures uninterrupted access to facts for every citizen.
Meanwhile, embankment and dam repair work in flood-hit areas has been completed in record time. The CM appreciated the Irrigation Department’s efforts in strengthening Nooraja Bhatta Dam and restoring key distributor tracks and canals.
Maryam Nawaz also expressed grief over the loss of six lives in a traffic accident near Vehari, offering condolences to the bereaved families.
