LAHORE
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has departed on a three-day official visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan to represent Pakistan at the World Urban Forum being held in Baku from May 17 to 20.
During the visit, the Chief Minister is scheduled to hold an important meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev on May 17, where matters of mutual interest, including urban development cooperation and investment opportunities, are expected to be discussed.
CM Maryam Nawaz will attend the forum as a special state guest, reflecting Pakistan’s active participation in international dialogue on sustainable cities and housing solutions.
At the forum, the Chief Minister will deliver a keynote address at the World Leaders Summit at the Baku Olympic Stadium, where she will highlight Punjab’s policy direction in urban planning, infrastructure development, and affordable housing.
She will particularly present the provincial government’s flagship housing initiative “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” as a model for affordable housing, showcasing it as a scalable and inclusive framework for addressing housing shortages.
The project will be introduced before the international community as Punjab’s innovative approach to expanding home ownership opportunities for low and middle-income groups.
The CM is accompanied by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, Sports Minister Faisal Ayub, Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, Special Assistant Ali Dar, the Chief Secretary Punjab and other senior officials. The delegation is expected to engage in a series of high-level interactions and side meetings during the forum to explore international collaboration in urban development and housing sectors.
