- Punjab CM highlights $3.63b trade ties, seeks German support in skills and green initiatives and human development
- Ina Lepel praises Punjab government’s disaster management, vows stronger cooperation
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Sunday underlined Germany’s importance as a partner in education, climate action, women empowerment, and human development during a meeting with German Ambassador to Pakistan, Ina Lepel, according to a CM’s Office statement.
The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, including curriculum innovation, student opportunities in Germany, modern agriculture, and disaster management, with the Chief Minister stressing that upcoming Pakistan-Germany G2G talks in November would provide a strong platform to further deepen bilateral cooperation.
Welcoming Germany’s solidarity and support during recent devastating floods, Maryam Nawaz praised Berlin’s assistance in green initiatives, forestation, and agricultural technology. She said Punjab sought to benefit from Germany’s expertise in dual vocational training and skilled manpower exchange, adding that she envisioned a prosperous and modern Punjab where “every citizen is empowered” — with Germany serving as a key partner in realizing that vision.
Highlighting economic ties, the Chief Minister noted that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Germany stood at USD 3.63 billion in 2024, with Pakistan maintaining a positive trade balance. She pointed out that more than 40 German companies were operating in Pakistan, generating significant employment opportunities.
The Punjab CM emphasized that environmental protection remained her government’s top priority, citing recurring cross-border smog and unprecedented floods as pressing challenges. She recalled that Punjab had faced its worst flooding in history this year, with simultaneous high-level floods in three rivers and relentless rains over three months. However, timely evacuation and relief operations had saved millions of lives, including 2.2 million cattle shifted to safer areas.
Detailing flood management efforts, she said the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) had expanded operations from 4 to 23 districts, while the province-wide “Suthra Punjab” initiative was improving urban and rural sanitation. She added that flood victims had been provided food, shelter, dry rations, health services, veterinary support, and fodder, while health counters, field hospitals, and mobile clinics were set up to prevent outbreaks of disease in affected regions.
The Chief Minister also appreciated Germany’s role in cultural and sports cooperation, acknowledging the contribution of the Annemarie Schimmel Haus in Lahore and recalling the recent visit of the German junior hockey team.
The German Ambassador later visited the WASA Expo, where she lauded Punjab’s disaster response and rehabilitation measures. She acknowledged that although rural areas had been badly hit, the provincial government’s performance in flood management and recovery was “commendable.”
