Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday highlighted the province's vast tourism potential, welcomed Lahore's recognition by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) as its Tourism and Cultural Capital for the year, reviewed rising patient attendance at public hospitals and praised the Pakistan Navy for successfully conducting the first live weapon firing from submarine PNS/M Hangor. In her message on the World Tourism Day, the chief minister paid tribute to those working to promote tourism and said Pakistan was blessed with immense natural beauty and tourism potential.

She said tourism could help develop human potential, encourage reflection and promote Pakistan's positive image internationally. Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz chaired a special meeting on Specialized Healthcare and Medical Education, where a detailed report on patient attendance and treatment at public hospitals across Punjab was presented. The meeting was informed that patient numbers at major public tertiary-care hospitals had increased by 16 per cent, with more than 45.7 million patients treated at major government hospitals.

In a separate statement, the chief minister congratulated the Pakistan Navy on the successful first live weapon firing from submarine PNS/M Hangor, describing the exercise as a demonstration of professional excellence and operational capability.