LAHORE: US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker met with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday to discuss initiatives aimed at enhancing education, security, and investment in the region. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as security, artificial intelligence, digital assets, and energy.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting also involved discussions on engaging US experts to assist Punjab in dealing with challenges such as floods and smog. Both parties reviewed the proposal of establishing a Punjab-US Business and Investment Forum in Lahore. Baker commended the Punjab government’s efforts to ensure a safe Basant festival and expressed admiration for the people of Punjab and Lahore.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the expansion of the Basant festival and highlighted ongoing legal measures to empower women in Punjab. She pointed out that the provincial government is actively formulating policies to address development and environmental challenges. Nawaz mentioned the significant contribution of the one million overseas Pakistanis from Punjab residing in the United States.

Nawaz also discussed initiatives to improve women’s mobility and financial independence, including the launch of an electric scooter scheme and an electrobus service. Interest-free loans are being offered for small businesses, while the Direct Pink Button and Virtual Police Station initiatives aim to enhance women’s protection in the province.