President Zardari calls for early implementation of China MoUs

KARACHI: President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday said Pakistan’s cooperation with China offers a significant opportunity to upgrade infrastructure, build industrial capacity and support socio-economic progress.

He made the remarks while receiving a detailed briefing on the implementation of the memoranda of understanding signed during his recent visits to the People’s Republic of China. The briefing, held at the Chief Minister House in Karachi, reviewed ongoing work on joint initiatives involving Sindh and Chinese partners.

The president said the agreements should lead to practical outcomes through clear timelines, institutional coordination and continued follow-up. He also stressed the importance of removing administrative hurdles, ensuring transparency and facilitating investors so that work on the projects could move forward more quickly.

The briefing covered progress in several sectors, including fire safety and emergency response systems, energy and fertiliser production, livestock development, agriculture, environmental management and recycling technologies.

Officials also shared updates on initiatives aimed at strengthening food security, improving disease control mechanisms in livestock and encouraging sustainable industrial practices.

President Zardari directed all departments to remain in close coordination with the relevant authorities and Chinese counterparts, and to ensure regular monitoring through dedicated mechanisms.

Cadet College Petaro briefing

Separately, the president was given 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 in earlier board of governors meetings and outlined major priorities for the institution’s continued development. It also included proposals to modernise academic delivery and broaden the college’s scope.

The president was informed about progress on financial assistance for pension arrears, the installation of a 1.2MW solar power plant, the establishment of an ERP system, and the upgradation of academic and residential facilities, including ICT infrastructure and cadets’ mess arrangements.

Measures related to scholarships through an endowment fund, an increase in government grant-in-aid, and the construction of a boundary wall to prevent encroachment also came under review.

The meeting further considered steps aimed at ensuring the institution’s 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 also informed that 50% of the students belong to Sindh, while the remaining 50% come from other parts of the country.