KARACHI:
President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday noted that Pakistan’s cooperation with China presents an important opportunity to modernize infrastructure, strengthen industrial capacity and promote socio-economic development.
The President received a detailed briefing on the implementation of the signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) during his recent visits to the People’s Republic of China.
The briefing, held at the Chief Minister House, Karachi, reviewed the ongoing work related to joint initiatives between Sindh and Chinese partners.
The president said that these agreements must be translated into practical results, with clear schedules, institutional coordination and sustained monitoring. He highlighted the need to remove administrative obstacles, ensure transparency and facilitate investors to accelerate the execution of projects.
The briefing covered progress in a variety of sectors, including fire safety and emergency response systems, energy and fertilizer production, livestock development, agriculture, environmental management and recycling technologies.
Updates were also shared on initiatives aimed at improving food security, improving disease control mechanisms in livestock and promoting sustainable industrial practices.
The President ordered all departments to maintain close coordination with concerned authorities and their Chinese counterparts and ensure regular follow-up through specific mechanisms.
President Zardari received a detailed briefing on the functioning, development plans and institutional needs of Cadet College Petaro, his alma mater.
The briefing focused on progress made on decisions taken at previous meetings of the board of governors and outlined key priorities for the continued development of the institution, together with proposals to modernize academic provision and expand its reach.
The President was briefed on the progress in providing financial assistance for pension arrears, installation of 1.2 MW solar power plant, establishment of ERP system and improvement of academic and residential facilities including ICT infrastructure and cadet mess arrangements.
Measures related to scholarships through an endowment fund, increasing government grants-in-aid and building a border wall to prevent encroachment were also reviewed.
The meeting also considered measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution, including housing and health insurance plans for employees, as well as the establishment of a university-affiliated model high school.
The President was informed that 50% of the students belong to Sindh province, while the remaining 50% come from other parts of the country.
