Pakistan and Germany share common values of peace, progress and human dignity: CM Punjab

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that Pakistan and Germany share the common values of peace, development and human dignity.

She made these remarks during a meeting with Derya Türk-Nachbaur, a member of the German Parliament, in Lahore. The meeting focused on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, women’s empowerment, education, youth exchange programs, environmental protection, and clean energy initiatives.

Maryam Nawaz warmly welcomed the German parliamentarian and thanked Germany for expressing solidarity with Pakistan during the recent floods. She said it was an honor to host Germany’s distinguished guests in Lahore, the historic and cultural heart of Punjab.

Congratulating the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) on its 100th anniversary and acknowledging its 35 years of service in Pakistan, the Chief Minister praised the foundation’s role in strengthening democracy, social justice, and dialogue between the two countries.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that Pakistan and Germany both believe in democracy, tolerance, and parliamentary governance, which are essential foundations for peace and progress. She lauded Derya Türk-Nachbaur for her work in inclusive policymaking, gender equality, and human rights advocacy.

The Chief Minister proposed that FES hold training workshops for lawmakers, young leaders, and women parliamentarians under its democratic governance program. She said that exchanges between Punjab and the German parliaments would provide an opportunity to learn from Germany’s model of federal cooperation and local autonomy.

Highlighting Germany’s role as a reliable development partner since 1951, Maryam Nawaz noted that German cooperation has contributed significantly to Punjab’s progress in environment, vocational training, energy, health, and women’s economic participation.

Expressing interest in adopting Germany’s dual vocational training model to enhance youth employment skills, she welcomed greater German investment in renewable energy, agricultural technology, IT services, and clean manufacturing.

She also underlined that education is a key pillar of the Punjab government’s reform agenda, focusing on curriculum modernization, digital learning, and global research collaboration. Over 10,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in German universities, she added.

Maryam Nawaz said women’s empowerment remains central to Punjab’s social policy, citing initiatives such as the E-Bike Scheme, Honahar Scholarship Program, and Women Inclusive Program, which ensure women’s safe and dignified participation in the economy.

She noted that Punjab’s cultural landmarks, including Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, Shalimar Gardens, and Data Darbar, symbolize shared civilizational heritage. Cultural cooperation, she said, serves as an effective form of diplomacy, and Punjab welcomes joint art and cultural projects with German institutions.

Reaffirming her commitment, Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan and Germany are determined to further strengthen their friendship through parliamentary engagement, sustainable development, and mutual cooperation.