Pakistan, Aug. 31 -- Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif's four-day visit to China was more than routine diplomacy. It was development diplomacy with a clear provincial goal: bringing home the technology, investment and institutional practices needed to make Punjab more productive, competitive and livable.

The visit fits a governance pattern Maryam Nawaz has pursued since taking office - one where development must be visible, in better transport, healthcare, agriculture, cleaner cities, digital services and economic security for families.

Punjab, as Pakistan's largest economic and agricultural powerhouse, is well positioned to lead the country's next phase of technology-driven growth. Its expanding economic base, vast agricultural...