Punjab, Karakalpakstan forge closer economic ties as Lahore-Nukus sister-city plan advances

• CM Maryam Nawaz hosts high-level Uzbek delegation, says govt to examine livestock exports and welcomes textile investment

• Talks focus on trade, agriculture, livestock, tourism and investment as Lahore, Nukus proposed to become sister cities

• Punjab invited to join Special Economic Zone in Karakalpakstan

 LAHORE: A high-level delegation from the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday to explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment, tourism and industry, while both sides agreed to pursue a proposal to declare Lahore and Nukus as sister cities.

The two sides also agreed to further strengthen collaboration in trade, agriculture, livestock and industry, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz warmly welcomed the delegation. During the meeting, the Uzbek side invited Punjab to participate in the establishment of a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Karakalpakstan, modelled on Punjab’s successful framework.

The delegation comprised Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan Ermanov Farkhod and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev, the statement said.

Both sides held detailed discussions on expanding bilateral trade, with particular focus on enhancing commercial ties between Punjab and Karakalpakstan. They also agreed to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The delegation invited the chief minister to visit Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, an invitation she accepted with thanks.

The meeting also reviewed a proposal by Karakalpakstan to allocate 100 to 200 hectares of land to Pakistani farmers for potato cultivation.

Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government would examine the possibility of meeting Karakalpakstan’s and Uzbekistan’s annual demand for 30,000 head of livestock from Punjab.

Welcoming Uzbekistan’s interest in investing in Lahore’s textile sector, she said the Punjab government was offering excellent opportunities and an investor-friendly environment for foreign businesses.

The chief minister said there was significant potential to further expand trade corridors and strengthen regional cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

CM orders safety audit of schools after Baghbanpura roof collapse

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday ordered an immediate province-wide safety audit of school buildings in densely populated areas after taking notice of the roof collapse at a summer camp operating in a private school in Baghbanpura, which claimed the life of a child.

She sought a detailed report on the incident from the Lahore Commissioner and the Director General of Rescue 1122.

Expressing profound grief and sorrow over the child's death, the chief minister extended heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family.

کاہنہ ٹیوشن سینٹر سانحہ پر وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا گہرے دکھ اور افسوس کا اظہار۔

جاں بحق بچوں کے لواحقین اور زخمی بچوں کے لیے مالی امداد کا اعلان، شفاف تحقیقات، ذمہ داروں کے خلاف سخت کارروائی، صوبہ بھر کی تعلیمی و نجی عمارتوں کے حفاظتی آڈٹ اور زخمی بچوں کے بہترین علاج… pic.twitter.com/ABcmZa94at

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 2, 2026

She praised Rescue 1122 personnel for safely rescuing more than 10 children from the rubble and directed rescue teams to expedite the operation to ensure the safe recovery of any children who might still be trapped beneath the debris.

Maryam Nawaz also directed that the injured children and other affected persons be provided with the best available medical treatment without delay.

She ordered strict legal action against those responsible for negligence or substandard construction and instructed the authorities to immediately carry out a comprehensive safety audit of all school buildings located in densely populated areas across Punjab.

“The rescue operation must continue without interruption. Even a single second of delay will not be tolerated,” the chief minister said.