Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday held a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Lahore, with discussions focusing on education, security, investment and broader areas of cooperation.

Maryam warmly welcomed the US official during the meeting, where the two sides agreed to explore greater cooperation in security, artificial intelligence (AI), digital assets and the energy sector.

They also discussed engaging US experts to help Punjab address challenges related to flooding and smog, while a proposal to hold a Punjab-US Business and Investment Forum in Lahore was also reviewed.

Baker praised the Punjab government’s initiatives aimed at empowering women and appreciated the holding of the Basant festival earlier this year in Lahore, as well as measures taken to ensure a safe celebration in this regard.

Maryam said her government was taking practical steps to empower women and had launched electric scooter and electric bus services to facilitate their mobility.

She said interest-free loans were also being provided to women to help them achieve financial independence and start small businesses.

The chief minister said her government was also working on legal measures to strengthen women’s empowerment and had introduced initiatives such as the Direct Pink Button and Virtual Police Station to improve women’s safety.

Maryam said Punjab was developing policies to promote growth while addressing the challenges posed by climate change.

She said advance measures taken during the monsoon season, along with the establishment of district water and sanitation authorities, had helped ensure the quicker drainage of rainwater.

“Punjab is changing, and its cities and villages are undergoing reforms,” she said.

Maryam also said around one million overseas Pakistanis from Punjab living in the United States were a valuable asset for the country.

Baker expressed appreciation for the people of Pakistan, particularly those of Punjab and Lahore, describing them as warm and lively.

The meeting also covered opportunities to strengthen bilateral business and investment ties and cooperation in other areas of mutual interest.