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Bridging nations through vision

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By Muhammad Asghar

BEIJING, Oct 28 (APP): Xi Jinping: The Governance of China is an authoritative, insightful, and visionary compilation of President Xi Jinping’s speeches, writings, interviews, and policy statements. Together, they offer a window into the guiding principles that have shaped China’s extraordinary journey in the 21st century.

This book is not merely a political text, it serves both as a philosophical framework and a practical guide to understanding how China has successfully transformed itself into one of the world’s leading nations while maintaining social stability, national unity, and a strong sense of mission.

It vividly presents President Xi’s core ideas, his pursuit of the “Chinese Dream” of national rejuvenation, his emphasis on reform and innovation, and his vision for a “community with a shared future for mankind.” Through this book, readers gain a deep understanding of how Chinese governance operates at the intersection of tradition and modernity, combining China’s cultural heritage with forward-looking policies and approaches to global engagement.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is its clarity and structure, which allow readers to trace the evolution of China’s priorities, from poverty alleviation and green development to deepening institutional reform and pursuing common prosperity.

The central theme running through the book is the balance between continuity and change: maintaining China’s unique socialist system while constantly adapting to the new realities of globalization and technological progress. China’s focus on long-term planning stands in sharp contrast to the short-term political cycles of many other nations. The result is a profoundly coherent vision that largely explains China’s success in achieving sustained growth and improving the lives of over a billion people.

For Pakistani readers, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China holds special significance. It not only explains the ideological foundations of China’s domestic transformation but also sheds light on its international outreach through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), an ambitious framework aimed at fostering connectivity, trade, and shared prosperity across Asia, Europe, and Africa. Within this context, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) stands out as the flagship project and the crown jewel of the BRI. The book helps readers conceptually understand why China invests in such large-scale international partnerships: to promote common development, bridge development gaps, and build networks of cooperation that transcend geography.

President Xi’s repeated emphasis on “win-win cooperation” and building a “community with a shared future for mankind” deeply resonates with the foundations of China-Pakistan relations, often described as “higher than the mountains, deeper than the ocean, and sweeter than honey.”

This book gives intellectual depth to these poetic expressions. It explains how China’s foreign policy based on respect for sovereignty, non-interference, and mutual benefit translates into tangible initiatives that support partner countries such as Pakistan. Through CPEC, Pakistan has witnessed the establishment of critical infrastructure, expansion of energy capacity, and development of new industrial zones, all of which are transforming its economic landscape. For those of us closely observing China’s development model, it is clear that China’s vision of cooperation is not transactional but transformational, it seeks to empower its partners, not dominate them.

Having lived and worked in China for nearly nine years, I have had the privilege of witnessing how President Xi’s governance philosophy manifests in everyday administration and diplomacy. Whether it is meticulous urban planning, technological innovation in industries, or disciplined administrative practices in government institutions, one can see the guiding hand of a system that prioritizes stability, progress, and inclusivity.

China’s success is no accident, it is the product of visionary leadership, meticulous planning, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of its people and the world. For Pakistani journalists like myself, interactions with Chinese officials, scholars, and citizens have revealed how deeply China’s governance is rooted in long-term thinking and collective responsibility qualities often missing in today’s fast-paced global politics.

Moreover, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China goes beyond economics and political theory; it is also a reflection of China’s moral and cultural confidence. President Xi frequently invokes traditional Chinese values such as harmony, integrity, diligence, and social order offering valuable lessons for developing nations like Pakistan, which must balance modernization with cultural preservation. In this sense, Xi’s philosophy carries global relevance: it reminds us that good governance is not merely about administrative efficiency, but about serving people with sincerity and vision.

For Pakistan’s policymakers, scholars, and young professionals, this book is indispensable reading. It equips them with the intellectual tools to understand how China views partnership and progress, and how Pakistan can better align its national development goals with this long-term vision.

The principles of mutual respect, shared development, and peaceful cooperation championed by President Xi can serve as guiding lights for deepening collaboration between the two nations in emerging fields such as technology, renewable energy, and cultural exchange. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is already reshaping Pakistan’s infrastructure and regional connectivity a living example of what can be achieved when two nations trust each other’s intentions and work toward shared prosperity.

In essence, Xi Jinping: The Governance of China is more than a collection of speeches; it is a manifesto of leadership, a roadmap for national progress, and a guide for international cooperation. It portrays a China that is confident in its path, committed to openness, and determined to contribute to global peace and development. For Pakistan, the book reinforces the understanding that the China-Pakistan partnership is not merely diplomatic, it is visionary, strategic, and profoundly human. As someone who has lived in China for nearly a decade and witnessed the deepening friendship between our two nations year after year, I believe this book deserves to be widely read across Pakistan. It offers timeless and universal lessons in leadership, unity, and purposeful governance.

For those of us who believe in the power of China-Pakistan friendship, it serves as a profound reminder that through cooperation, understanding, and shared ideals, nations can indeed build a brighter and more harmonious future together.

E-Pakistan to transform country into digitally connected economy: Ahsan Iqbal

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal said on Tuesday that the development of any civilization depends on mastery in space technology, emphasizing that high-speed internet and commercial satellite initiative will serve as a fundamental pillar of Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of high-speed internet and commercial satellite, he said that the Holy Quran has ordained the conquest of the universe, adding that space technology is included as a fundamental pillar of “Uraan-e-Pakistan.”
The minister said that four satellites have been sent into space during the last two years, and Pakistan has now acquired the capability of internet service through its own satellite. He said that the government was laying the foundation of a connected Pakistan through a combination of fiber, 5G, and commercial satellites.
He said the target of e-Pakistan is to connect the youth from every corner of the country to the world, and connecting every school and health facility to broadband was a priority. He added that millions of new job opportunities would be created for youth in the digital economy.
Ahsan Iqbal said e-Pakistan was the backbone of a modern digital economy, and the internet is no longer just communication but the fundamental infrastructure for productivity. Ensuring access to high-speed internet for
every citizen is being prioritized, he added.
He said satellite internet will play an important role in connecting remote areas. He further said Pakistan’s first astronaut will go into space in 2026, adding that e-Pakistan is not just a slogan but the foundation of a modern economy and governance.

NCC, PECTAA organize provincial consultation workshop on refinement of national curriculum

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):The National Curriculum Council (NCC), Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, in collaboration with the Punjab Education, Curriculum, Training and Assessment Authority (PECTAA), Lahore, held a provincial consultation workshop on Tuesday, on refinement of National Curriculum of Pakistan.
The one-day consultation formed a vital part of the NCC’s ongoing efforts to ensure that curriculum refinement is shaped through broad-based participation and provincial ownership. It followed the successful consultations held in Islamabad (October 13–14, 2025), Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (October 21, 2025), and Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (October 23, 2025), said a press release here.
The consultation focused on gathering expert feedback and recommendations around four core thematic areas; National Curriculum Framework (Revision, Implementation & Governance), Minimum Standards for Curriculum, Textbooks, and Assessment, Scheme of Studies & Languages in Education and Rationalization and Optimization of the National Curriculum of Pakistan, it added.
Along with the NCC team, the workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including experts from the curriculum department, assessment bodies, textbook board, teacher education and training institutions, Early Childhood Education (ECE) specialists, subject specialists and representatives from leading private sector institutions such as Lahore Grammar School (LGS), Aitchison College and All Pakistan Private Schools Association, it focused.
In her opening presentation, Dr Tabassum Naz, Director, NCC, outlined the objectives of the provincial consultation and highlighted the critical role of provinces in ensuring that the curriculum reflects Pakistan’s educational aspirations and contextual needs.
Zubda Zia ur Rehman, Managing Director, PECTAA, commended the consultative process and underscored the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including the private sector, to ensure that the curriculum remains responsive to emerging trends particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), promotion of diversity and inclusivity, and continuous teacher development. Muzammil Mehmood, Chairman, Chief Minister’s Task Force, Punjab,
also graced the occasion with his presence.
In her closing remarks, Dr Tabassum Naz expressed sincere appreciation to PECTAA for hosting the workshop and for its continued collaboration with NCC in curriculum reform initiatives. The next provincial consultation will be held in Multan on October 30, 2025, continuing the nationwide engagement process.

Intermediate second annual exams starts from Wednesday

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RAWALPINDI, Oct 28 (APP):The Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi will commence the Intermediate Second Annual Examinations 2025 from tomorrow (Wednesday), October 29, with all logistical arrangements in place to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
According to the details, a total of 39 exam centres have been established across the Rawalpindi division, including 15 for male students, 16 for female students and eight mixed centres. Accordingly, 39 centre superintendents, 47 deputy superintendents and around 320 invigilators have been deployed for the exam process.
Controller of Examinations Tanveer Asghar Awan assured that the Punjab government’s zero-tolerance policy against malpractices would be strictly enforced.
“Any instance of cheating or irregularity will face immediate action,” he said, emphasizing a robust crackdown on the ‘booti mafia’.
To provide tight security, lists of exam staff have been forwarded to the police Special Branch, while all law enforcement agencies remain on high alert. Raiding teams, mobile inspectors, special squads and district vigilance committees will conduct daily patrols of centres. Online monitoring of high-risk ‘hot’ and ‘grey’ centres will also continue uninterrupted.
The controller highlighted the comprehensive measures designed to safeguard the integrity of the exams.
“Our strategy is foolproof to guarantee a fair and secure environment for all candidates,” he added.

Dr.Pechuho for strict crack down on quacks, briefed on 3,995 HIV-positive cases

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KARACHI, Oct 28 (APP):A high-level meeting on the alarming rise of HIV cases across Sindh was chaired by Provincial Minister for Health and Population Welfare, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, in which all Deputy Commissioners and SSPs from across the province attended virtually, while CEO Sindh Healthcare Commission Dr Ahsan Qavi, Secretary Sindh Blood Transfusion Authority Dr Dur-e-Naz, and Additional Director CDC participated physically.
The Minister was briefed that more than 600,000 quack doctors are operating in Sindh, 40 percent of them in Karachi alone. There are currently 3,995 registered HIV-positive children in the province, including 1,144 in Larkana, 509 in Shikarpur, 256 in Shaheed Benazirabad, 228 in Mirpurkhas, while dozens of cases exist in every district.
Officials further informed that the spread of HIV in Sindh has reached an extremely alarming situation. Major causes include unregulated and unethical medical practices, unsafe blood transfusions, illegal clinics, unregistered blood banks, re-use and repackaging of syringes, contaminated injections, cannula centres, reuse of razors by barbers, sale of hospital waste, unscreened blood, and unsafe dental tools.
Dr Pechuho issued strict directives to all SSPs and DCs to immediately shut down illegal health facilities and take decisive action against quackery and unsafe medical practices, stating, “There will be zero tolerance; no recommendation or political pressure will be entertained. If an MNA or MPA tries to intervene, inform me I will handle them myself.”
She ordered mandatory screening of pregnant women to prevent any virus mother-to-child transmission, and instructed Sindh Healthcare Commission and police to ensure that sealed healthcare units are not allowed to re-open. Those violating sealing orders must be arrested.
The minister also directed that sale of hospital waste must be stopped immediately, and a complete list of licensed blood banks be issued, while unregistered blood banks should be closed without delay. She warned that compromised blood screening poses a deadly risk, while unhygienic dental procedures, unsafe circumcision practices, and exposure to infected waste put thousands of children  especially garbage pickers at risk.
Dr Pechuho stressed that people using drugs and other vulnerable groups must not be harassed, but supported through awareness and prevention, as they are patients deserving medical protection, not exploitation.
She instructed the Sindh Healthcare Commission to strengthen oversight at the district level and warned that desealing of facilities involved in illegal medical practices will not be tolerated. Joint action by police, district administrations, health officials, and CBOs is critical to containing the crisis.
“Sindh Government stands like a wall against the spread of HIV,” Dr Pechuho asserted. “No one will be allowed to jeopardize public health.”

DPM/FM Dar, Turkish FM discuss evolving situation in Gaza

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Tuesday received a telephone call from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

The two leaders discussed the evolving situation in Gaza, and the next steps and modalities for achieving lasting peace in Palestine.

FM Hakan Fidan invited the deputy PM to Turkiye for the forthcoming meeting of the eight Foreign Ministers of partner countries who were engaged on the sidelines of UNGA80 in the diplomatic process on Gaza.

Chinese envoy announces scholarship program for GCWUS students

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SIALKOT, Oct 28 (APP):Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren visited Government College Women University Sialkot (GCWUS) on Tuesday, where he announced a new scholarship program for the university’s students, aimed at providing opportunities for quality education abroad.
“We would like to work closely with the administration of GCWUS to promote the Chinese language,” Zhao Shiren expressed during his visit. In the initial phase of this collaboration, the Chinese Government will provide Chinese language books to GCWUS students to help them learn the language. He further mentioned that a step-by-step approach would be taken towards establishing a Chinese Language Center at the university.
The envoy praised the efforts of the university administration, particularly Vice Chancellor Dr. Shazia Basheer, for their commitment to advancing education. He expressed his appreciation for their proactive approach in fostering educational ties between Pakistan and China.
Dr. Shazia Basheer, Vice Chancellor of GCWUS, thanked Consul General Zhao Shiren for his visit and expressed her strong determination to cooperate with the Chinese Government, both in terms of the scholarship program and the establishment of the Chinese Language Center.
The students of GCWUS warmly welcomed the Consul General, chanting slogans in support of Pak-China friendship, marking a gesture of solidarity and appreciation for the growing ties between the two nations.

UAP observes world Mental health day

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PESHAWAR, Oct 28 (APP):The Department of Social Welfare, Merged Districts, in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) at the University of Agriculture Peshawar, and with the support of UNICEF, celebrated World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme “Together for Mental Health Support, Strength, and Solidarity as Youth, Children, and Adolescents.”
The event emphasized the importance of strengthening mental health support systems for young people, particularly those affected by crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.
It brought together students, faculty members, government officials, civil society representatives, and child protection practitioners.
The program began with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by welcoming remarks from Jehan Bakht, Vice Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Peshawar, who highlighted that mental well-being is an essential part of both education and overall health.
In her address, Sumbal Gillani, Child Protection Officer at UNICEF, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to promoting mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children, adolescents, and youth in humanitarian settings.
She stressed that “child protection and mental health are inseparable” and underscored the importance of building resilient communities through prevention and protection efforts.
Keynote sessions and panel discussions covered topics such as “Promoting Mental Health among Youth and Adolescents” and “The Role of Child Protection in Promoting Mental Wellbeing in Humanitarian Situations.”
Speakers included Sumbal Gillani, UNICEF, Ubaid ur Rahman, Department of Rural Sociology, Bashir Chief Proctor, and Bilal Institute of Peace & Development Studies, University of Peshawar.
They emphasized collaborative approaches to strengthening community-based mental health care and resilience.
A powerful theatre performance by professional artists depicted the emotional impact of mental health challenges during crises, followed by a Youth Sharing Session, “Voices of Resilience,” where young participants shared personal stories of hope and recovery.
In his closing remarks, Sohail Ahmad, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF, called for inclusive and accessible mental health services for all, especially for children and adolescents affected by emergencies.
He highlighted the importance of sustained collaboration between government departments, academia, and development partners to strengthen mental health and child protection systems.
He also announced the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between UNICEF and the University of Peshawar to implement joint initiatives promoting child protection, welfare, and psychosocial well-being.
The event concluded with a collective pledge for mental health awareness.

Two booked for aerial firing at engagement ceremony in DI Khan

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DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Oct 28 (APP):The district police on Tuesday registered a case against two individuals for aerial firing during an engagement ceremony in the village of Syedu-wali.
According to details, the police received information about celebratory gunfire during the engagement of Shakir, son of Mirza in the limits of Paharpur police station. A police team, led by Paharpur police station SHO, conducted a raid at the spot.
The police registered a case against Shakir’s brother Sabir and another man named Kifayat for their alleged involvement in the incident.

ITP issues traffic advisory for cricket team movement in twin city

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ISLAMABAD, Oct 28 (APP):Islamabad Traffic Police (ITP) have issued a special traffic advisory to ensure smooth vehicular movement during the travel of cricket teams from Islamabad to Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
An ITP official told APP on Tuesday that traffic flow on Expressway and Srinagar Highway may be affected during the movement. Citizens are advised to follow the temporary diversion plan for their convenience.
He said that citizens traveling from Margalla Road towards Khanna should use Faisal Avenue, then Blue Area, followed by Club Road and Lehtrar Road.
For those heading towards G-9, G-10, G-11 and Tarnol, it is advised to travel via Faisal Avenue and the main road of F-10 sector.
Citizens traveling from Rawalpindi Saddar towards Islamabad can use Peshawar Mor to reach Srinagar Highway.
Similarly, commuters coming to Islamabad via IJP Road should use Sabzi Mandi Road to avoid congestion.
The official said that traffic police officers will remain deployed on all key locations and service roads to assist commuters and maintain smooth traffic flow.
He advised citizens to leave early during office and rush hours to avoid inconvenience and show patience while driving.
He added that Islamabad Traffic Police will make every effort to facilitate road users, and traffic updates will be shared through ITP Radio FM 92.4 and Islamabad Police social media platforms.