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President for accessible Chinese language education for stronger Pak-China ties

ISLAMABAD: As the international community observes United Nations Chinese Language Day today, President Asif Ali Zardari has called for a focus on accessible and structured Chinese language education to respond to real needs and strengthen practical cooperation between Pakistan and China.

The president, in a message on the Day, said that Chinese Language Day highlighted the global importance of linguistic understanding in an increasingly connected world.

“In Pakistan, interest in the Chinese language has grown steadily, particularly in universities where structured teaching programmes are now well established,” he said.

The president said that at institutions such as the University of Karachi and the University of the Punjab, along with programmes at the National University of Modern Languages, students were offered graded instruction, certification courses and cultural learning opportunities.

He said that in Sindh, the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi served as a major centre for Chinese language education, offering systematic courses and training with both local and native instructors. Similar initiatives in other parts of the country have expanded access for students and professionals seeking practical language skills, he added.

“This growth also extends to specialised training for personnel working in public service roles involving coordination with Chinese nationals. Such instruction supports clearer communication and more effective working arrangements on the ground,” President Zardari said.

He said for many young people, learning Chinese was increasingly linked to opportunities in education, trade and technical cooperation. It provides a practical skill that can support engagement with Chinese companies, scholarship programmes and joint projects across different sectors, he added.

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Health minister orders probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints

ISLAMABAD:Federal Minister for Health Syed Mustafa Kamal has taken notice of alleged irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) held in Sindh and ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the complaints.

According to official sources, the minister directed a five-member committee, including the President of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to conduct a transparent investigation and submit its report within 15 days.

The committee has been tasked with examining the complaints and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities during the examination, sources said.

The minister directed the committee to complete the inquiry within the stipulated timeframe and present its findings for further action in accordance with the applicable rules.

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CDA chairman directs faster work on Expressway East project

ISLAMABAD: Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Sohail Ashraf has directed officials to accelerate work on the Islamabad Expressway Service Road East project while ensuring strict compliance with approved designs and construction standards.

During an inspection of the project on Saturday, the chairman reviewed progress and was briefed on ongoing works and the next phase of development.

He directed the project director and relevant departments to maintain continuous field monitoring and quality control and ensure effective traffic management to minimise inconvenience to commuters.

The chairman described the Expressway East project as an important infrastructure scheme for improving connectivity, traffic flow and road capacity in the capital. He also stressed that construction quality should not be compromised in efforts to meet the project timeline.

During the visit, he was also briefed on an ongoing enforcement operation against unauthorised and illegal construction along the Islamabad Expressway.

According to the CDA, 377 buildings have been identified for action, including 281 commercial structures. So far, 58 buildings have been sealed, while 124 buildings between Sohan and Khanna bridges have been marked for demolition.

The authority said Rs234.685 million had been recovered through land-use conversion, unauthorised construction and de-sealing charges. Around Rs3 billion remained recoverable under applicable regulations in connection with land-use conversion and violations relating to unauthorised construction, setbacks, floor area ratio and covered area.

The chairman directed the relevant departments to ensure strict enforcement of building-control and land-use regulations, particularly mandatory fire-safety requirements.

The enforcement operation is being conducted by the CDA’s Building Control Section and Enforcement Directorate in coordination with the district administration and Islamabad police.

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GB ministers call on Governor Kundi

PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Saturday held a meeting with a delegation of Gilgit-Baltistan ministers at the Governor’s House here and discussed the country’s political situation and other matters of mutual interest.

The delegation comprised Gilgit-Baltistan Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Zulfiqar Ali Murad, Minister for Health Iqbal Hassan and Minister for Education Aman Ali Ameer.

During the meeting, the two sides exchanged views on the prevailing political situation in the country and various issues of mutual interest. They also discussed the recent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan and the Pakistan Peoples Party’s success in the polls.

The visiting ministers were taken on a tour of the Governor’s House. Governor Kundi presented them with traditional shawls and caps.