LAHORE: US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker called on Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday and discussed the promotion of education, security and investment in Punjab.

They also discussed engagement of US experts to help Punjab deal with floods and smog.

A proposal to hold a ‘Punjab-US Business and Investment Forum’ in Lahore was also reviewed during the meeting.

Ms Baker appreciated the holding of the Basant festival in Lahore and lauded the Punjab government’s measures for ensuring a safe cultural event.

“I like Pakistan very much; particularly the people of Punjab and Lahore, who are very lively,” she said.

On the occasion, CM Maryam said the Basant festival would be further expanded next year.

“We are taking legal measures to empower women in Punjab,” she said, adding that the provincial government is formulating policies for development and addressing environmental challenges.

She said around one million overseas Pakistanis from Punjab living in the US are a valuable asset for the country.

About efficient handling of monsoon rains, the chief minister said: “Advance measures for the monsoon and the establishment of district Wasas have made it possible to drain rainwater quickly,” she said.

“Punjab is changing, and its cities and villages are being reformed,” Ms Nawaz said and added as Pakistan’s first woman chief minister, she transformed women’s empowerment from a symbolic commitment into practical measures.”

Published in Dawn, August 13th, 2026