Maryam, Nawaz meet UAE envoy

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Nawaz Sharif held a meeting with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, to discuss broadening cooperation in areas including economic partnership, education, science, and sustainable development.

During the meeting, the leaders extended a warm welcome to the ambassador and conveyed the goodwill and best wishes of the people of Punjab to the UAE leadership and its citizens. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening fraternal ties and taking the Pakistan-UAE relationship to new heights.

The leaders paid tribute to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, praising the UAE’s scientific achievements, commitment to environmental sustainability, and visionary leadership.

PMLN President Nawaz Sharif remarked, “The relationship between Pakistan and the UAE is more than diplomatic — it is a bond of hearts. Our ties have stood the test of time and circumstance.”

CM Maryam highlighted Punjab’s commitment to innovation, particularly in the sectors of education, health, infrastructure, and renewable energy. She stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in education, research, and environmental initiatives. “The visa-free entry for official and diplomatic passport holders between our two nations is a commendable step,” she said.

Maryam Nawaz also celebrated the rise in bilateral trade and invited UAE investors, institutions, and businesses to explore opportunities in Punjab, calling it “a top choice for investment due to its business-friendly environment.”

Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz extended heartfelt congratulations to the government, people, and armed forces of China on the 98th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

In her message, she lauded the PLA’s contributions to national and global peace, stating, “The role of the Chinese armed forces in maintaining peace is truly commendable. We salute our iron brother.”

She stated that Pakistan-China relations transcend traditional state or defence ties. “Ours is a bond of hearts — deep, enduring, and rooted in mutual respect,” she said, calling the defence cooperation between the two countries “a shining example of our everlasting friendship.”

Praising the PLA’s professionalism, modern military strategy, and spirit of national service, she said these qualities serve as a model for others. “The growing mutual trust, joint training programs, and robust defence collaboration between the Pakistani and Chinese armed forces reflect the strength of our bilateral partnership,” she added.

CM Maryam also reiterated her government’s commitment to further expanding joint ventures with China across various sectors. “Punjab is eager to promote cooperation with China in industrial development, environmental protection, agriculture, and education,” she said.

Meanwhile, CM Maryam said the government schools are becoming the harbingers of an educational revolution with the introduction of modern computer and science laboratories.

In a message posted on the social networking platform X, the CM stated, “A bright future was promised for the children of Punjab — I am happy to see it becoming a reality.”

She highlighted that a new, empowered generation is now being nurtured in government schools, where young minds are actively learning and growing in state-of-the-art labs. “We are rapidly completing the educational infrastructure. No student will be deprived of basic facilities,” she affirmed.

Referring to the province’s strong financial commitment to education, CM Maryam said, “The largest educational budget in Punjab’s history is proof that we are not just constructing classrooms — we are building dreams.”

She concluded with a note of optimism: “The journey toward greatness has begun, and the new generation is already ahead in this path of progress.”