Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Visits Azerbaijan for High-Level Talks

Updated: 3:10 AM PKT — May 19, 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Sunday, discussing the enhancement of strategic ties within a trilateral framework that also includes Turkiye. During the meeting, part of the chief minister’s three-day visit, both leaders affirmed the strong fraternal and strategic partnership between their nations and explored further cooperation in political, economic, diplomatic, and defence sectors.

In her address to the 13th UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), Maryam Nawaz praised the development of Azerbaijan under the leadership of President Aliyev, describing it as commendable. She conveyed her gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the host nation and said she brought a message of love from the leadership and people of Pakistan.

The chief minister outlined several key initiatives being undertaken in Punjab to overcome urban and rural challenges while developing resilient infrastructure. She highlighted the “Suthra Punjab” (Clean Punjab) mega-project, which has established a comprehensive sanitation system, and the launch of the Punjab Economic Registry Survey to gather crucial social and economic data for better planning.

Emphasizing the importance of equitable development, Maryam Nawaz detailed the “Model Village Program,” a plan to equip 2,000 villages across the province with modern facilities. She stressed that the development of rural areas is crucial for providing equal opportunities to all citizens.

During her visit, the chief minister is also scheduled to inaugurate the Pakistan Pavilion to showcase Punjab’s transformational projects. A key feature will be the ‘Apni Chhat Apna Ghar’ scheme, one of the world’s largest affordable housing programs. According to Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, the program has approved 160,000 loans, with 100,489 families having already moved into their new homes.

Updated: 2:02 AM PKT — May 19, 2026

In her address to the World Urban Forum, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz asserted that the true measure of a government’s success is the tangible improvement it brings to the lives of its citizens. She outlined her government’s vision for urban development and highlighted flagship programs, including the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing scheme. The chief minister was also formally welcomed to the forum by the President of Azerbaijan.

Updated: 1:15 AM PKT — May 19, 2026

In her address to the World Urban Forum, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz described her government’s flagship ‘Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar’ housing scheme as a revolutionary project. She asserted that a government’s success is measured by the positive changes it brings to people’s lives, rather than by speeches.

Updated: 12:06 AM PKT — May 19, 2026

Addressing the World Urban Forum, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasised that resilient cities are built on people-centric, climate-conscious, and data-driven development, highlighting that over 100,000 families have already received homes under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” program. On the sidelines of the summit, she also held meetings with leaders from Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Georgia.

Updated: 11:14 PM PKT — May 18, 2026

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the World Urban Forum, highlighting the rapid development of housing facilities in the province. On the sidelines of the event, she also held meetings with the leaders of Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan, as well as the Prime Minister of Georgia.

Updated: 10:50 PM PKT — May 18, 2026

Addressing the World Urban Forum, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated that a government’s success is measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ lives, not rhetoric, and she showcased Punjab’s large-scale housing projects. During her official trip, the chief minister was also formally welcomed by President Ilham Aliyev and his wife.

Updated: 10:17 PM PKT — May 18, 2026

Addressing the World Urban Forum, the chief minister highlighted Punjab’s development projects and challenges. On the sidelines of the event, she also held meetings with other foreign leaders, including officials from Bulgaria, Kyrgyzstan, and Georgia.

Updated: 7:34 PM PKT — May 18, 2026

On the sidelines of the forum, the chief minister held meetings with the presidents of Bulgaria and Kyrgyzstan and the Prime Minister of Georgia. She was earlier welcomed to the event by the Azeri First Lady. During a tour of Baku’s old city, the chief minister was also seen becoming emotional after viewing a photograph of her parents.

Updated: 5:56 PM PKT — May 18, 2026

The chief minister is visiting Baku as a special state guest and was personally welcomed by President Ilham Aliyev and his wife. During the forum, she will present the “Apni Chhat Apna Ghar” (My Roof, My Home) affordable housing program as a case study to international delegates.

Updated: 5:27 PM PKT — May 18, 2026

The chief minister was also welcomed by the First Lady of Azerbaijan. During the forum, Punjab’s flagship “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” housing program is slated to be presented as a case study to international delegates.

Updated: 9:15 AM PKT — May 18, 2026

The Azerbaijani president also commended Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability. During her visit, the chief minister paid respects at the tomb of Azerbaijan’s national leader, Heydar Aliyev, and at a martyrs’ memorial.

Updated: 6:43 AM PKT — May 18, 2026

During the meeting, President Aliyev commended Pakistan for its mediatory role in the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran. The discussion also included exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation directly between the province of Punjab and Azerbaijan.

Updated: 5:36 AM PKT — May 18, 2026

President Aliyev commended Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace, particularly its mediation efforts between the US and Iran. During her visit, the chief minister also paid respects at the mausoleum of former Azeri leader Heydar Aliyev.

Updated: 4:44 AM PKT — May 18, 2026

During the meeting, President Aliyev praised Pakistan for its constructive role in regional diplomacy. He specifically commended the country’s efforts in mediating recent tensions between the United States and Iran.

Updated: 10:41 PM PKT — May 17, 2026

During the discussions, President Aliyev praised Pakistan’s role as a mediator in tensions between the United States and Iran. The chief minister, in turn, highlighted Pakistan’s strategic position and importance in maintaining regional balance.