The world is rapidly facing challenges such as growing urban populations, climate change, housing crises, and the need for modern infrastructure. In this context, the World Urban Forum, organized under the auspices of the United Nations, is regarded as the largest global platform for discussions on urban development, sustainable planning, and public welfare policies. This month, at the forum held in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, Pakistan was represented by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, who highlighted the Punjab government’s vision for urban development on an international stage.
The 13th World Urban Forum in Baku was not merely an international conference, but a major global platform to deliberate on the future of cities around the world. Organized by the United Nations since 2001, the forum aims to seek collective solutions for pressing issues such as rapid urbanization, housing, sustainable development, climate pressures, and urban planning.
Against this global backdrop, the presence of Maryam Nawaz Sharif in Baku carried significance both politically and administratively. Upon her arrival for a three-day visit, she was welcomed by the host country’s Deputy Minister for Defense Industry and later met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Another notable aspect of her political vision was reflected when she visited the mausoleum of Heydar Aliyev and laid flowers there, reaffirming the ties and traditions shared between the two countries.
Her participation cannot simply be termed a diplomatic visit; rather, it was a significant effort to present Punjab’s urban policies, affordable housing initiatives, and modern governance model before the world. During the forum, she emphasized that urban development is not merely about constructing roads and buildings, but about improving people’s lives in a dignified, secure, and meaningful way. She prominently showcased Punjab’s urban development model, especially the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” program at the international level. Accompanying her on the visit were Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information Minister Azma Bukhari, Minister HUD&PHE Bilal Yasin ,Energy Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, and Agriculture Minister Ashiq Hussain Kirmani.
At the World Urban Forum, the Punjab government’s “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” scheme received special attention. The Chief Minister inaugurated the “Punjab Pavilion,” where various provincial development projects, digital governance initiatives, eco-friendly measures, and housing programs for low-income groups were presented. Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin and his team deserve appreciation for their dedication and commitment in turning the impossible into reality. Unlike many projects that have historically fallen victim to political favoritism and public exploitation, this initiative stands as a realistic, transparent, and merit-based example that is gaining recognition on the global stage.
The “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” scheme is among Punjab’s flagship housing programs and is enabling thousands of deserving families to move toward homeownership through a transparent process. In her interactions with international delegates and the media, the Chief Minister described the program as a reflection of Punjab’s social priorities. The documentary and digital exhibition displayed at the pavilion also attracted considerable attention.
Without any initial fee or the need to visit offices repeatedly, applicants can submit requests online from home, while representatives reach out directly to them. Interest-free loans of up to 1.5 million rupees are being provided for constructing homes on plots ranging from one to five marlas in urban areas and one to ten marlas in rural areas. The number of beneficiaries has reportedly exceeded 150,000, while more than 100,000 homes have already been constructed.
In a country like Pakistan, promises of large-scale housing construction have long remained political slogans. However, for the first time, not only have these homes actually been built, but a new example of public service has been established across all districts without political or gender discrimination. International delegates described Punjab’s low-cost housing initiative as an effective model, and the forum included it among the world’s notable housing projects.
In her address, Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the true measure of governments lies not in announcements, but in the positive changes brought to people’s lives. She stressed that urban development must be environmentally friendly, aligned with public needs, and based on modern data so that better and more sustainable cities can be built for future generations.
At the forum, the Punjab Chief Minister also expressed a desire to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. Praising Azerbaijan’s urban development, modern infrastructure, and global connectivity, she said Punjab also aspires to achieve international standards in modern urban facilities, smart governance, and environmental protection.
This was the first occasion on which Punjab’s urban development vision was presented on such a large international platform. Representatives from various countries, urban experts, investors, and policymakers showed interest in Punjab’s development initiatives, raising prospects for future international cooperation and investment.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif further emphasized in her speech that the real purpose of development is to provide convenience and dignity to ordinary citizens. She identified housing, a clean environment, safe transportation, modern infrastructure, and digital services as the fundamental components of urban development. According to her, the Punjab government seeks to build cities where the benefits of development reach every segment of society and no citizen feels deprived. The practical manifestation of this vision is expected to emerge soon in the form of the Punjab Development Plan.
Punjab’s participation in the World Urban Forum demonstrated that the province is moving toward modern urban development in line with global trends. If these projects continue to be implemented effectively, Punjab could emerge not only as a model for Pakistan but also as an important example of urban development across the region.
The writer is a Lahore-based public policy analyst and can be reached at [email protected]