Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Punjab Pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Baku on May 20, 2026 [1].
The event marks a strategic effort by the Punjab government to export its domestic urban planning successes to a global audience. By presenting the "Apni Chhat Apna Ghar" scheme, the administration seeks to position the province as a leader in affordable housing solutions for developing regions.
During her three-day official visit to Azerbaijan [2], Nawaz presented the province's housing model to international delegates and urban planners. The initiative focuses on providing low-cost housing options to citizens, a model the chief minister said has achieved top world rankings [1].
The Punjab Pavilion serves as a hub for the province to engage with global experts on sustainable city development. The presentation in Baku aims to highlight the scalability of the affordable housing project, a flagship program designed to reduce the housing deficit within the province.
Nawaz used the platform to discuss how the provincial government integrated financial accessibility with urban infrastructure. The forum provided an opportunity to benchmark the "Apni Chhat Apna Ghar" scheme against other international urban development projects, and to seek potential partnerships for future city planning.
“Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the Punjab Pavilion at the World Urban Forum in Baku”
The presentation of the 'Apni Chhat Apna Ghar' scheme at a global forum indicates Punjab's ambition to move from implementing domestic policy to influencing international urban development standards. By seeking validation and visibility in Baku, the provincial government is attempting to build diplomatic and technical capital that could attract foreign investment in its infrastructure sector.
