ISLAMABAD/ SUKKUR: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday chaired a briefing on the status of Pakistan-China MoUs signed during his recent visits to China, emphasising timely implementation, strong coordination and tangible outcomes across key sectors including energy, agriculture and infrastructure.
He directed all departments to maintain close coordination with relevant authorities and Chinese counterparts, and to ensure regular monitoring through dedicated mechanisms. The briefing, held at the Chief Minister’s House Karachi, reviewed ongoing joint initiatives between Sindh and Chinese partners. President Zardari stressed that the agreements must translate into practical results through clear timelines, institutional coordination and sustained follow-up. He noted that Pakistan’s cooperation with China presents a key opportunity to modernise infrastructure, strengthen industrial capacity and advance socio-economic development. He highlighted the need to remove administrative bottlenecks, ensure transparency and facilitate investors to accelerate project execution.
The briefing covered progress in fire safety and emergency response systems, energy and fertiliser production, livestock development, agriculture, environmental management and recycling technologies. Updates were shared on initiatives to improve food security, strengthen livestock disease control and promote sustainable industrial practices.
The meeting was attended by Murad Ali Shah, Faryal Talpur, Dr Asim Hussain, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, Muhammad Khan Mahar, Muhammad Ali Malkani, Saleem Mandviwalla, Sohail Anwar Siyal, Haji Ali Hassan Zardari and senior provincial officials.
Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari has called for digital learning, international standards and institutional expansion at Cadet College Petaro in Jamshoro District. The president was given a detailed briefing on the college’s functioning, development plans and institutional requirements during a meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House Karachi. The briefing reviewed progress on decisions taken in earlier Board of Governors meetings and outlined key priorities for the institution’s continued development, including proposals to modernise academic delivery and expand its scope. He was informed about progress on financial assistance for pension arrears, installation of a 1.2-megawatt solar power plant, establishment of an ERP system and the upgradation of academic and residential facilities, including ICT infrastructure and cadets’ mess arrangements. Measures relating to scholarships through an endowment fund, enhancement of government grant-in-aid and construction of a boundary wall to prevent encroachment were also reviewed.
The meeting considered steps to ensure long-term sustainability, including housing schemes and health insurance for employees, as well as the establishment of a model high school affiliated with the college. The president was informed that 50 per cent of the students belong to Sindh while the remaining 50 per cent come from other parts of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, he stressed that education delivery should increasingly move towards digital platforms, with computers in classrooms. He emphasised aligning the syllabus with international standards and encouraged the college to seek affiliation with a reputed international institution. He also underscored the importance of introducing agriculture as a subject and suggested engaging international teachers to help deliver education in line with global standards. He directed that a committee be formed to examine transitioning to Advanced HSC and Advanced SSC instead of routine Matric and Intermediate.
Describing Cadet College Petaro as an institution close to his heart, he acknowledged its contribution to the country and recalled his personal association as an alumnus. He noted the college has produced leaders in public service, the armed forces and civil administration, and continues to play an important role in shaping young students’ character.
He emphasised that strengthening the institution would help produce well-rounded individuals equipped with discipline, integrity and responsibility, stressing that quality education is a foundation for socio-economic progress. He called for continued focus on merit and character-building. Highlighting the need for coordinated efforts, the president urged stakeholders to extend full support for timely approval and implementation of the proposed initiatives and reiterated the importance of sustained investment and collective commitment to ensure the institution remains a centre of excellence.
The meeting was attended by CM Murad Ali Shah; Faryal Talpur, Dr Asim Hussain, Nasir Hussain Shah, Malik Asad Sikandar, Dr Sikandar Ali Shoro, Faisal Iqbal Qazi and the deputy commissioner Jamshoro, along with other senior officials.
