CM Maryam, Portuguese envoy agree to deepen trade, investment ties

• Punjab, Portugal discuss Business Forum to boost bilateral trade and investment cooperation

• CM invites Portuguese firms to invest in Punjab, pledges support for tourism and economic partnerships

• Proposal to declare Lahore and Lisbon twin cities aimed at expanding cultural and educational exchanges

• Portuguese ambassador lauds Pakistan's role in Iran-US diplomacy and Punjab's health sector achievements

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Portuguese Ambassador Paulo Domingues on Monday agreed to further strengthen Pakistan-Portugal relations by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, livestock, healthcare, tourism and other sectors of mutual interest, while also reviewing proposals to enhance business and cultural linkages between Punjab and Portugal.

During a meeting held in Lahore, the two sides discussed the establishment of a Pakistan-Portugal Business Forum to promote bilateral trade and investment. The chief minister invited Portuguese companies to invest and do business in Punjab, assuring the ambassador of the provincial government's full support in expanding cooperation in tourism and other areas of shared interest, said a statement issued from the Chief Minister Office (CMO).

وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف سے پرتگال کے سفیر پالو ڈومینگوز نے ملاقات کی۔
ملاقات میں تجارت، سرمایہ کاری، زراعت، لائیوسٹاک، صحت، توانائی، ڈیجیٹل جدت، سیاحت، ثقافتی و تعلیمی تبادلوں اور دوطرفہ تعلقات کے فروغ پر تفصیلی تبادلہ خیال ہوا۔ دونوں ممالک نے باہمی تعاون کو مزید وسعت… pic.twitter.com/A2FhjuVJ0U

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 13, 2026

Ambassador Domingues appreciated Pakistan's constructive role in the Iran-US negotiations and praised the Punjab government for establishing the country's first public-sector cancer hospital. He also acknowledged Punjab's record achievements in the health sector.

The meeting also featured detailed discussions on a proposal to declare Lahore and Lisbon as twin cities to promote cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges. Ambassador Domingues commended Lahore's rich culinary heritage and the hospitality of its people and extended an invitation to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to visit Portugal.

The chief minister said Pakistan and Portugal enjoyed longstanding cordial relations and stressed that there was considerable scope to further strengthen bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.

She observed that Punjab and Portugal possessed significant potential for collaboration in the pharmaceutical industry, energy, water resources, healthcare and digital innovation.

Maryam Nawaz noted that Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo enjoyed immense popularity among Pakistan's youth, saying that promoting Portuguese culture, heritage, language and academic exchanges could further deepen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

She added that there was ample room to expand tourism, cultural exchanges and mutual understanding, expressing confidence that Pakistan and Portugal would continue to advance their enduring relationship through stronger institutional cooperation.

Ambassador Domingues said he appreciated Pakistan's diplomatic efforts in promoting lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and assured that Portuguese authorities would provide a favourable environment for Pakistani investors seeking business opportunities in Portugal.

CM reaffirms support for Kashmiris on Kashmir Martyrs' Day

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the Kashmiri freedom movement on Kashmir Martyrs' Day.

In a message issued on the occasion, the chief minister saluted the courage, resilience and sacrifices of the Kashmiri people who laid down their lives in the struggle for their internationally recognised right to self-determination.

She said the blood of every Kashmiri martyr, including the 22 martyrs of July 13, 1931, had become an enduring symbol of the Kashmiris' unwavering quest for freedom.

Calling upon the international community to fulfil its responsibilities, she urged it to play an effective role in ensuring the Kashmiri people were granted their legitimate right to self-determination in accordance with the relevant United Nations resolutions.

Maryam Nawaz said the unparalleled sacrifices of the Kashmir martyrs constituted one of the brightest chapters in the history of the freedom movement. She added that the brave people of IIOJK had kept the flame of freedom alive through their steadfastness and sacrifices, while their courage and determination continued to inspire the ongoing struggle.

The chief minister expressed confidence that the sacrifices of the people of IIOJK would never go in vain and said the day was not far when the people of the occupied territory would witness the dawn of freedom.

وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا یومِ شہدائے کشمیر پر خصوصی پیغام۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/7iBhoNshnv

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 13, 2026

CM expresses grief over demise of former Qatari Emir

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed profound grief over the demise of former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

وزیرِ اعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کا سابق قطری امیر شیخ حمد بن خلیفہ الثانی کے انتقال پر اظہارِ افسوس۔۔۔ pic.twitter.com/fAR7QFGgYg

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 13, 2026

The chief minister extended her heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience for them in bearing the irreparable loss.