CM Maryam showcases Punjab housing revolution at World Urban Forum in Baku

• Punjab Pavilion emerges as major attraction at global urban development forum

• ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ ranked among top international housing innovations

• CM says over 100,000 homes completed within one year under flagship scheme, taking virtual tour of project and watches documentary on beneficiaries

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Punjab Pavilion at the ongoing World Urban Forum in Baku, where Punjab’s flagship low-cost housing initiative, ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’, drew widespread international attention and was showcased among leading global urban innovation models.

During her visit to the Urban Expo, the chief minister toured various stalls and reviewed urban housing and development projects being implemented by different countries. Director General PHATA Zeeshan Sikandar briefed her on the features and progress of the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme at the Punjab Pavilion.

An unprecedented response at the Pakistan Pavilion “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” at the UN Urban Forum in Baku. International delegates, urban experts, foreign media and visitors flocked to witness Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s flagship housing initiative that is transforming… pic.twitter.com/0zvwxA5WYJ

— Marriyum Aurangzeb (@Marriyum_A) May 19, 2026

CM Maryam Nawaz expressed satisfaction after the initiative was ranked among top global innovations in affordable housing and urban welfare. She also examined housing models adopted by other developing nations participating in the forum.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited and conducted a detailed review of the Punjab Pavilion established at the World Urban Forum.

The inauguration ceremony of the Punjab Pavilion in Baku witnessed record and overwhelming participation from international media.#MaryamNawazInBaku… pic.twitter.com/2EFGgycj2N

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 19, 2026

The chief minister took a live virtual tour of the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ programme through interactive digital gadgets and watched a documentary showcasing the project’s development journey and its impact on low-income families across Punjab.

She interacted with officials and staff at the Punjab Pavilion and appreciated their efforts in effectively presenting Punjab’s urban development vision before the international community.

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived at the World Urban Forum and formally inaugurated the 'Punjab Pavilion' in Baku.

The Punjab Pavilion at the World Urban Forum became the center of attention for delegates from across the world.#MaryamNawazInBaku… pic.twitter.com/rmZiiOfNDy

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 19, 2026

Addressing foreign delegates and international representatives at the pavilion, CM Maryam Nawaz highlighted the achievements of Punjab’s affordable housing programme, saying the initiative was aimed at enabling underprivileged families to own dignified homes without discrimination.

International delegations attending the forum praised her vision and public welfare-oriented approach, while foreign media representatives and guests applauded the Punjab government after watching the documentary featuring testimonies of beneficiaries of the housing scheme.

"وزیرِ اعلیٰ مریم نواز کا دورہ آزربائیجان"

🔺ورلڈ اربن فورم میں پنجاب پویلین دنیا بھر کے مندوبین کی توجہ کا مرکز بن گیا

🔺وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف ورلڈ اربن فورم پہنچ گئیں

🔺وزیرِ اعلیٰ مریم نواز شریف نے ورلڈ اربن فورم باکو میں ’پنجاب پویلین‘ کا افتتاح کر دیا… pic.twitter.com/c24HnQF3tw

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 19, 2026

The inauguration ceremony of the Punjab Pavilion witnessed significant participation from international media organisations, delegates, urban planners and global representatives attending the World Urban Forum.

Delegates and media personnel also met the chief minister and exchanged views on sustainable urban development and inclusive housing solutions.

CM Maryam Nawaz said the ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ initiative was especially close to her heart, adding that transparent and merit-based loans were being provided to help citizens build their own homes.

She said between 600 and 700 houses were being constructed daily under the programme, while more than 100,000 houses had been completed within just one year.

Guests, foreign delegates and international media representatives at the Punjab Pavilion praised the scale and speed of the initiative and paid tribute to the chief minister’s leadership. The Punjab Pavilion emerged as one of the major attractions at the World Urban Forum, with international media describing Punjab’s rapid execution of affordable housing projects as a model for developing countries.