Heidelberg, Germany(OPN) Waseem Butt, member of the Heidelberg City Council and head of Heidelberg in Bewegung (HiB/Volt), welcomed the first official delegation from the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, during their visit to Heidelberg. The delegation was led by Punjab’s Minister for Local Government, Zeeshan Rafiq.
During the visit, discussions focused on potential collaboration in key areas such as waste management, citizen engagement, digitalization, and waste-to-energy initiatives. According to Waseem Butt, these are sectors in which the city of Heidelberg is internationally recognized as a successful model.
He said the visit would play a vital role in strengthening friendship and building a sustainable partnership between Lahore, Punjab, and Heidelberg.
Expressing pride in his dual identity, Waseem Butt stated that as a German citizen of Pakistani origin, he was honored to contribute to strengthening the bond of friendship, respect, and cooperation between Pakistan and Germany.
He added that this partnership is not limited to administrative or scientific collaboration but is also helping to build new bridges in culture, education, and humanitarian fields — highlighting Lahore’s successful inclusion in UNESCO’s “Creative Cities of Literature” network as a shining example of such cooperation.
