![in g b educational institutions chinese language is an optional subject in g b educational institutions chinese language is an optional subject](https://i.tribune.com.pk/media/images/711379-chinesescriptphotowikipedia-1400703627/711379-chinesescriptphotowikipedia-1400703627.png)
The region’s first Chinese language centre started classes in Gilgit on Wednesday, with 40 students enrolled in the first batch.
The Pakistan-China Friendship Language Centre is a joint initiative of the Chinese government and the Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) education department. Located in Gilgit High School No 1, the centre will be managed by the G-B chapter of the Overseas Chinese Association.
While inaugurating the centre a day earlier, Chief Minister Mehdi Shah said it will help strengthen economic and cultural ties between both countries.
The close proximity of G-B is an important factor in the potential opportunities the centre will create for those willing to learn the language of their neighbours.
“There will be two classes held daily and each class will have 20 students,” said Abdul Rahman Bukhari, the association’s general secretary.
“It will be a two year degree and it will be issued by a university recognised by the Chinese government,” said Bukhari.
Bukhari said traders and other businessmen could benefit from the facility, as the language-barrier is a challenge for those hoping to do business across the border or earning a livelihood from Chinese tourists.
Furthermore, learning Chinese is considered vital for trade, which officials hope will get a major boost from the proposed railway track project with China. Currently, China’s only road route to Pakistan is the Karakoram Highway (KKH), which cuts an impressive path through G-B’s rugged terrain, attracting billions of rupees in trade.
In G-B educational institutions, Chinese language is an optional subject. A similar language centre will be constructed
in Skardu.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 22nd, 2014.
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Haman and Enterprise Institute Gilgit (HEDI) started Chinese languages courses in 2102. http://www.hedigb.com/Courses.html. So how come this program is the fist one in Gilgit-Baltistan. ET staff please do some study befiore posting any information.
For God's sake what are you doing with your children. who ever pays you money you start adopting their language. I meet Chinese people every day in Europe and they hate Mandrian and Cantonese because its very hard to learn and have least benefits. Why are you doing mental torture to your children. For God sake. Is there any well wisher of this nation who could guide this nation on right track. Pakistanis should learn Spanish/ Farsi/Arabic/English. These are languages of future.
Why only in GP? Why China insists on GB? I think it is business based rather than friendship. China knows the language of profit and money only. Relieable sources said that legally all this territory of GB belongs to China up to Raikot Bridge near Chilas.. This is why China investing in this area because it is actually investing in future China. So nothing in friendship of Pakistan rather it is in favor of profits or politics. Anyone please comment on this.