Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz addressed the fourth edition of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2025 on Saturday, delivering a powerful speech centred on education reforms, women's empowerment, and global unity.
She was warmly welcomed by Turkish First Lady Emine Erdoğan and received an enthusiastic reception from dignitaries and attendees.
Speaking during a session titled 'The Revolutionary Power of Education', which featured only Maryam Nawaz and First Lady Emine Erdoğan, the Punjab Chief Minister emphasized the need for collective action to make the world more just and inclusive.
“It is an honour to address this forum, which brings together leaders who not only dream of a better world but also work tirelessly to make those dreams a reality,” she said. “No society can progress without investing in the welfare of women and children.”
Education Reforms in Punjab
Maryam Nawaz outlined the transformative steps her government has taken since assuming office in March 2024, building upon the foundations laid by Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif. She shared key milestones, including:
-
Upgrading 4,000+ primary schools across Punjab.
-
Digital classrooms with touchscreen technology replacing chalkboards in 6,000 schools.
-
Restoration of non-functional schools, turning them into vibrant learning hubs.
-
50,000 Prosperous Scholarships to ensure no child is left behind.
-
Free milk programs to combat malnutrition among schoolchildren.
-
Recruitment of 30,000 teachers on merit to improve education quality.
-
AI-based learning platforms to prepare youth for the modern world.
-
Establishment of Pakistan’s first AI University in Lahore.
-
Launch of the Nawaz Sharif Internet City, a landmark initiative toward Digital Pakistan.
Maryam Nawaz also narrated personal stories, including that of Nada from Kasur and Ikram from South Punjab, whose lives changed due to these education-friendly initiatives.
Call for global solidarity
The chief minister passionately spoke about children suffering in conflict zones:
“Innocent children lie under the rubble in Palestine. Girls in Afghanistan are denied access to schools. The children of Kashmir are victims of oppression. In Sudan, they walk miles for food. These are not isolated issues—they demand collective human response.”
Calling for a "diplomacy of dignity", she urged global leaders to prioritize humanity in foreign relations and unite for girls' education across regions—from Morocco to Multan and Delhi to Dhaka.
She invited Turkish universities to start educational services in Punjab and concluded her speech with a heartfelt message in Turkish, thanking her hosts for their hospitality.
Strengthening Pak-Turkiye ties
During her visit, Maryam Nawaz met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan. President Erdoğan inquired about the health of Nawaz Sharif and conveyed his best wishes, saying: “God willing, we will meet Nawaz Sharif soon.”
The Turkish leadership appreciated Maryam Nawaz’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Turkiye relations. The Chief Minister also visited a cultural stall with Emine Erdoğan, reflecting the deep-rooted brotherhood between the two nations.
“Pakistan and Turkiye may be two nations, but our hearts beat as one,” Maryam Nawaz said. “This bond is not just political—it’s a connection of hearts that will grow stronger for generations to come.”
