Staff Reporter
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday lauded the theme of the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan—“Designing Future Society for Our Lives”—during a meeting with Expo Association General Manager Achinoki Manatsu, who briefed her on preparations for the global event.The CM said the Expo’s focus on innovative solutions to social challenges was “highly valuable,” noting that such platforms highlight tools and methods to save lives, improve public services, and promote sustainable development.Showcasing Pakistan’s cultural richness, Maryam Nawaz briefed the Expo officials about Pakistan’s handicrafts, particularly Sindh’s Ajrak and Multan’s blue pottery, which she said reflected the country’s centuries-old artistic heritage. She emphasized Punjab’s wealth of natural treasures and the skill of local artisans in transforming them into globally admired products.“Arrival of 1.2 million visitors to Pakistan’s pavilion in past expos proves the world’s deep interest in Pakistani products,” she observed, adding that Punjab was eager to use the Expo to project its diverse culture, craftsmanship, and development potential before the international community.The Expo officials welcomed the CM’s keen interest, while Achinoki Manatsu expressed gratitude for her visit and stressed the importance of Pakistan’s participation in strengthening global cultural and economic linkages.Allotment of flats to Industrial WorkersIn a separate development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the launch of allotment of flats to industrial workers, fulfilling a long-standing demand for low-cost housing.Under Phase-I, applications have been invited from industrial workers of Lahore and Kasur districts for 750 flats being offered free of cost at the Workers Welfare Complex, Sundar Industrial Estate Kasur.A special 3% quota has been reserved for widows of deceased industrial workers and 2% for disabled workers to ensure inclusivity in the housing scheme.
