Karachi, Chief Minister House

A special meeting of the Board of Governors of Cadet College Petaro was held at the Chief Minister's House, led by President Asif Ali Zardari.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was also present and thanked President Zardari for holding the meeting.

"It’s a privilege for us to host a meeting of this prestigious institution," said the Chief Minister.

The meeting was attended by MPA Dr. Sikandar Ali Shoro, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, Principal Secretary Agha Wasif, Secretary Abdul Rahim Sheikh, and Finance Secretary Fayyaz Ahmed Jatoi.

Other participants included Chairman Board of Governors and Commander Karachi Vice Admiral Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, Secretary to the President Muhammad Shakeel Malik, Commodore Rashid Nazir, Captain Abdul Ghaffar, Air Commodore Atir Amir, and several others.

President Zardari welcomed everyone, saying, "Cadet College Petaro is my alma mater. I studied here, and it’s very close to my heart. I want to contribute to its growth."

He praised the college for its contribution to Pakistan, particularly Sindh.

"This institution has produced outstanding leaders in politics, the military, civil service, and the judiciary. The training provided here is of the highest quality," said the President.

President Zardari mentioned that the main purpose of the meeting was to address the challenges faced by the college.

"With improvements, the students will shine even more," he added.

During the briefing, it was shared that the college covers 758 acres and currently has 846 students. It also has two swimming pools, with plans to build two more, as directed by the President.

The President instructed the Chief Minister to ensure all necessary facilities for the college under a five-year plan.

He also directed an increase in the salaries of teachers and announced scholarships for top-performing students.

Other instructions included upgrading computer labs, improving the CCTV system, and adding smart screens for junior classes. He also asked for an ERP system to be developed for better management.

The reconstruction of Iqbal and Qasim Houses and the renovation of six other houses were also approved. New water heaters for all houses and chillers for the cadet mess were also ordered.

President Zardari directed the construction of a pumping station on the Indus River and the installation of a new water pipeline to the college.

To improve horse-riding training, he asked for the number of horses to be increased from 23 to 40.

The Chief Minister was also asked to allocate funds and land for employee housing and introduce health insurance for college staff. The endowment fund grant was increased to Rs. 2 billion.

A new school, the Asif Ali Zardari Model High School Petaro, was also announced for the children of staff and local residents.

The President directed the construction of two new houses, expansion of the academic block, and a new mess for the students. He also approved building 20 houses for teachers and staff, 30 quarters for technical staff, and shaded seating areas for parents.

An additional Rs. 200 million was approved to clear pending pensions of employees. Following the President’s instructions, the Chief Minister increased the college’s regular grant to Rs. 300 million.

The Chief Minister was also instructed to set up a 1500 kW solar power plant to meet the college’s energy needs.

Finally, President Zardari announced that Cadet College Petaro would be included in the Sindh Education Endowment Fund to ensure long-term support.