Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz, German Ambassador Discuss Flood Relief and Green Technology Cooperation
Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister **Maryam Nawaz Sharif** met with German Ambassador **Alfred Grannas (Anna Lepel)** to discuss a wide range of issues, including **bilateral relations, flood relief efforts, climate change, modern agriculture, green technology, vocational training, and education**.
Welcoming the envoy, Maryam Nawaz appreciated Germany’s message of solidarity and swift support following the recent devastating floods. She highlighted that **environmental protection is a top priority** for her government and stressed that German technical assistance could play a vital role in addressing cross-border challenges such as smog and flooding.
The Chief Minister praised Germany’s **dual vocational training model** and welcomed greater cooperation to replicate it in Punjab. She noted Germany’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan in **women’s empowerment, social protection, human development, and green technology**.
Maryam Nawaz revealed that in **2024 bilateral trade between Pakistan and Germany reached $3.63 billion**, with Pakistan enjoying a trade surplus. Around **40 German companies currently operate in Pakistan**, generating employment opportunities, and she called for expanding these ties at the provincial level.
Discussions also covered **education, Pakistani students in Germany, and curriculum innovation**. The CM lauded the services of Lahore’s **Anna Marie Schimmel House** and welcomed German support in sports development, citing the recent visit of the **German junior hockey team to Lahore** as a promising start to sports exchanges.
On the flood situation, she said Punjab was severely impacted by **high floods in three rivers coupled with continuous rainfall**, but timely government action ensured large-scale evacuations, rescue, and relief operations. Over **2.2 million livestock were relocated**, while field hospitals, mobile clinics, and flood relief camps played a crucial role in public health efforts.
The German envoy also visited **WASA Expo**, praising Punjab’s flood management measures and remarking that the provincial government had done **“exemplary work” despite severe challenges in rural areas**.
