Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held a high-profile meeting with a 25-member delegation from the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) during their visit to Lahore.
The visiting delegation comprised permanent representatives to the Chief Ministers' Offices from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan. The delegation was led by ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed Khan.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif warmly welcomed the ECO delegates upon their arrival in Lahore and expressed her heartfelt greetings to each member.
Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb provided a comprehensive briefing to the visiting ECO officials. CM Maryam Nawaz especially thanked Turkmenistan for supporting Lahore’s designation as the ECO Capital.
"The presence of distinguished ECO guests is an honour for us," said Maryam Nawaz. "I love Lahore, a city rich in both ancient and modern culture."
She noted that former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is personally overseeing efforts for the cultural revival of Lahore. “Lahore is not just a city—it is a living museum of history,” she remarked.
Maryam added, “The fragrance of civilisation lingers in Lahore’s alleys. Its archaeological treasures testify to its glorious past. The people of Lahore are embodiments of love and hospitality, and their warmth is unmatched.”
She pointed to Lahore’s gardens, royal forts, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites as reflections of its grandeur. “Lahore is not only a guardian of history but also a hub of flavours,” she noted.
The Chief Minister emphasised that Punjab is fully prepared to host tourists and is committed to developing tourism as a full-fledged industry. She highlighted that the Punjab government is upgrading tourist destinations not just in Lahore but across the province.
“We are providing every possible facility to both domestic and international tourists,” said Maryam, adding that Punjab is becoming an emerging centre for business, technology, and services.
“There are immense opportunities in agriculture, technology, tourism, education, and industry in Punjab. We have paved the way for foreign investors to invest in every sector,” she stated.
ECO Secretary General Asad Majeed recalled that Pakistan joined ECO in 1992 under the leadership of former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. He added that it is delightful to see the prime minister, chief minister of Punjab, and ECO secretary-general all hailing from Lahore.
Delegation members praised the city’s warm reception, saying, “Visiting Lahore was a pleasure. This city is extraordinary, and we won’t forget the splendid hospitality we received.”
They admired the cultural diversity of Lahore and expressed their desire to visit again. The ECO delegation also appreciated the efforts of CM Maryam Nawaz and her team for beautifying Lahore, reviving its culture, and promoting tourism.
As a token of appreciation, the delegation presented CM Maryam Nawaz with a beautifully crafted piece of calligraphy and other souvenirs.