ISLAMABAD: China signed an agreement with Pakistan in Islamabad on Thursday to help repair and rebuild damaged government schools in the Bara division of Khyber Agency.
The Chinese authorities will provide $14 million under the agreement, according to the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), which will be used to reconstruct 68 damaged schools to improve the education infrastructure in the area and enroll more students.
Khyber Agency is part of the former Federally Administered Tribal Area. Much of the infrastructure in the region was destroyed in recent years as the country battled a rising tide of violent extremism in its volatile northwestern territories. As Pakistan’s security forces fought militant groups of various ideologies, members of radical groups frequently targeted schools and other educational facilities, particularly girls’ schools.
With the security situation gradually improving across the country, the authorities are trying to address development issues in a region that was previously infested with militants, and prepare the inhabitants for more peaceful and secure lives.
The Chinese Ambassador to Islamabad Yao Jing applauded Islamabad’s efforts to accelerate economic growth and promised further support in the future to administrations in all parts of the country.
Beijing and Islamabad are already working on the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is considered one of the most significant projects being carried out under the “one belt and one road” Initiative.
China to provide $14M for rebuilding of damaged schools in tribal districts
China to provide $14M for rebuilding of damaged schools in tribal districts
- The agreement covers government schools in the Bara division of Khyber Agency
- The Chinese Ambassador to Islamabad, Yao Jing, promised future support to Pakistan in all areas
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia discuss regional situation, upcoming engagements
- Ishaq Dar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan agree to stay in contact amid Middle East tensions
- The two officials speak ahead of Trump’s Feb. 19 Board of Peace meeting in Washington, DC
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed regional developments and upcoming international engagements with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in a phone call on Saturday, according to the foreign office in Islamabad.
The conversation took place against the backdrop of deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Riyadh. In September last year, the two countries signed a bilateral defense agreement that formalized decades of military cooperation and included a commitment to view aggression against one as an attack on both countries.
“Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation today with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud,” Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
“The two leaders discussed the evolving regional situation, forthcoming international engagements, and agreed to remain in close contact,” it added.
The two officials spoke at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the conflict in Gaza far from resolution amid ongoing ceasefire violations by Israel.
The region has also been on edge as the United States pursues nuclear negotiations with Iran, prompting regional states to call for diplomacy rather than new military flare-ups.
Both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are participants in US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace, which is scheduled to meet on Feb. 19 in Washington.
Islamabad and Riyadh have consistently coordinated positions over regional and global issues.
The foreign ministry did not provide further details of the discussion.
