- Punjab CM meets German MP Derya Türk-Nachbaur, discusses women empowerment, education, clean energy, and youth exchanges
- Says Pakistan and Germany believe in democracy, tolerance, and good governance
- Proposes joint training for legislators and exchange of parliamentarians under FES platform
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Saturday warmly welcomed German Parliament Member Derya Türk-Nachbaur in Lahore for a detailed discussion focused on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, women empowerment, education, youth exchanges, environment, and clean energy.
Extending gratitude to Germany for its solidarity during recent floods, the chief minister said, “It is an honour for me to welcome our distinguished guests from Germany in Lahore, the historical and cultural heart of Punjab.”
وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز سے جرمن پارلیمنٹ کی رکن دریا تُرک نَخباؤر کی ملاقات۔ دوطرفہ تعلقات، ویمن ایمپاورمنٹ، تعلیم، ماحولیات اور کلین انرجی پر تبادلہ خیال۔ وزیراعلیٰ نے فریڈرک ایبرٹ فاؤنڈیشن کی 100ویں سالگرہ پر مبارکباد دی اور جرمنی کے اظہارِ یکجہتی کو پاک جرمن دوستی کی عکاس قرار… pic.twitter.com/8tcJR1sicK
— Zeeshan Malik (@ZeshanMalick) November 1, 2025
She congratulated Germany’s Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) on its 100th anniversary and lauded its 35 years of service in Pakistan, noting that the foundation had played a key role in promoting democracy, social justice, and mutual dialogue between the two nations.
Maryam Nawaz said that the expression of sympathy and solidarity by Germany during floods reflected the depth of the long-standing Pak-German friendship, adding that both countries “believe in democracy, tolerance, and parliamentary governance — the foundations of peace, progress, and prosperity.”
Acknowledging Derya Türk-Nachbaur’s contributions to inclusive policy-making, gender equality, and human rights, the chief minister proposed organizing training workshops on democratic governance for legislators, youth leaders, and women parliamentarians under the FES framework.
She also suggested an exchange program between Punjab and German parliamentarians, saying such collaboration would allow Pakistan to learn from Germany’s model of federal cooperation and local autonomy.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that parliamentary cooperation serves as a bridge of trust and understanding, strengthening people-to-people ties and mutual respect between the two nations.
She noted that Germany has remained a reliable development partner since 1990, contributing to Pakistan’s progress in environment, energy, vocational training, healthcare, and women’s economic empowerment.
Highlighting youth and employment initiatives, the chief minister expressed interest in adopting Germany’s dual vocational training model to enhance the employability of Punjab’s youth. She described the growth of Pakistan-Germany bilateral trade to US$3.6 billion in 2024 as a positive sign and welcomed further German investment in renewable energy, agricultural technology, IT services, and clean manufacturing sectors.
She underlined that education remains a key pillar of Punjab’s reform agenda, with the government focusing on curriculum innovation, digital learning, and global research linkages. She pointed out that over 10,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in German universities, reflecting the strength of academic cooperation.
Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed that women empowerment is central to Punjab’s social policy, highlighting flagship initiatives such as the E-Bike Scheme, Honhar Scholarship Program, and Women’s Enclaves that ensure safe and dignified participation of women in the workforce.
She said Punjab’s historical and architectural landmarks—including Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalamar Gardens, and Data Darbar—represent shared cultural heritage, and that joint art and cultural collaborations with German institutions would further enrich people-to-people diplomacy.
The chief minister concluded that Pakistan and Germany share common values of peace, progress, and human dignity, reaffirming Punjab’s determination to strengthen parliamentary ties, sustainable development, and cultural cooperation for a deeper Pak-German friendship.
