CPEC manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship: Imran

PM says uniform curriculum for primary schools will be ready by March

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday reaffirmed his government's commitment to the timely completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects, describing the flagship mega project a "manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship".

Presiding over a meeting to review progress on the CPEC projects and cooperation with China in other sectors of the economy, the prime minister said removing impediments in this regard was the priority of his government.

"CPEC is manifestation of Pakistan-China friendship," Imran said, adding that the mega project would "usher Pakistan in a new era of development". He said his upcoming visit to China and the talks with the Chinese leadership would prove to be a milestone in promoting the bilateral relations.

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During the meeting, Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhry identified areas of cooperation with China, including digital payment system, battery storage research, manufacturing of agricultural tools, drone technology, solar cell manufacturing and research in flora and fauna.

Planning Minister Khusro Bakhtiar briefed the meeting about the ongoing CPEC projects and the measures to fast-track their implementation. Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad briefed the meeting about the ML-1 project and its benefits for the country.

Synchronising Education system

Earlier, addressing a prize distribution ceremony for the meritorious madrassa students in the federal capital, the prime minister said the government planned to synchronise the entire education system to create social harmony in the country.

He stressed the need for the country's youth to excel as "all-rounders of contemporary plus religious education" and prove their mettle before the world with confidence. He added that reforms in the education system would provide equal opportunities to the lower strata of the society.

"The youth, who have a strong knowledge of both modern sciences and the religion and also the realisation of the objective of Pakistan's creation, can lead the country in the international arena," the prime minister told the ceremony.

The event at the Prime Minister House was aimed at honouring the madrassa students, who achieved distinction in examinations in contemporary subjects of regular boards of education, alongside their actual system of religious education.

Imran said a uniform curriculum was being designed so that all the graduates have equal opportunities to excel in practical life. At present, he said, there were three education systems in the country, which "are leading to injustices and divisions in the society".

The prime minister said a uniform curriculum was being prepared for the public and private schools as well as for the madrassas, adding that the primary level curriculum will be prepared by March next year.

"Islam lays special emphasis on education. Muslims are weak today mainly because of lack of education," he said. Therefore, the PTI government decided that the students of religious seminaries would be imparted modern education, he added.

He regretted that madrassa students have limited scope of syllabus and they could not exploit the opportunities offered in modern fields. "Efforts are afoot to end the colonial system of parallel education systems in the country," Imran said.

"The education system will be synchronised where all the students in every nook and cranny of the country will study the same curriculum upto a certain level. The objective is to rise together as a nation which is gelled with the bond of harmony and tolerance," he added.

"The double-edged science offers mankind the invention of medicine to cure humanity, but at the same time also the bomb used for destruction. Thus, the religion's guiding power can help choose the right or wrong path."

Referring to the treatment meted out to the Muslims around the world, including the Kashmiris, the prime minister told the audience that today, the Muslims around the world had lost their authority for being weak in education and research.

He mentioned that the recently agreed-upon launch of joint television channel along with Turkey and Malaysia would be used to air programmes, including films, to counter the misrepresentation of Muslims in Hollywood and Bollywood movies.

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He said Urdu dubbing of Turkish fiction movie 'Resurrection: Ertugrul' was under consideration, which was based on the chain of historic events that ultimately led to the founding of the Ottoman Empire.

"Our children only know about the Western heroes. We must tell them about Muslim superheroes, including rulers and scientists who ruled the world for 700 years," he said, adding that three Muslim countries had decided to collaborate to make films on Muslim history and heroes of Islam.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education Shafqat Mahmood said the PTI government has been working on various initiatives to eliminate injustice in the society on the basis of education. Later, the prime minister distributed awards among position holders of seminary students.