President Asif Ali Zardari chaired a special meeting of the Board of Governors (BOG) at the Chief Minister House on Monday. The meeting also highlighted a series of initiatives aimed at modernizing the college’s infrastructure and improving facilities for both cadets and staff. The gathering was attended by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, Commander Karachi VA Muhammad Faisal Abbasi, and other notable officials, including Secretary to President Shakeel Malik and Secretary Colleges Asif Ikram. President Zardari, who holds Cadet College Petaro close to his heart, remarked, “Cadet College Petaro is my alma mater and holds a very special place in my heart. I take immense pride in having studied here and am committed to giving back to this prestigious institution.”
He highlighted the college’s crucial role in producing leaders across various fields, including politics, military, bureaucracy, and judiciary. Reflecting on the college’s 66-year legacy of excellence, he emphasized, “Even after 66 years, CCP stands strong, continuing its legacy of excellence.
Wherever its alumni go, the training and success imparted by the college reflect in their personalities.” During the meeting, the President approved several vital upgrades for the college, including the construction of two additional swimming pools, which will be added to the existing campus facilities. He directed the Chief Minister to implement these changes under a five-year plan. President Zardari also outlined a blueprint for infrastructure improvements, which includes upgrading ICT labs, installing smart digital screens in junior classes, and renovating Iqbal and Qasim Houses. He also instructed the establishment of a chiller system for the cadets’ mess and a new water pipeline from the Indus River to address the water supply issues.
Further emphasizing the need to foster the college’s future growth, the President approved the expansion of the Riding Club to accommodate more horses, responding to the growing interest in equestrian activities among cadets. President Zardari approved the creation of a Housing Scheme and Health Insurance for the college’s staff. The Endowment Fund will also be increased from Rs. 406 million to Rs. 1 billion. Additionally, a new initiative named ‘Asif Ali Zardari Model High School Petaro’ will be introduced to offer quality education to the children of staff and the surrounding community.
The President also directed the Chief Minister to start the construction of 52 new houses for teaching and ministerial staff. Furthermore, the expansion of the academic block, a new mess, and a dedicated sitting area for parents visiting the college were proposed. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, in his briefing, confirmed a Rs. 200 million grant to clear pension arrears for the college’s employees. He also shared updates on the installation of a 1.5 MW solar-powered electricity plant to reduce energy costs, along with the ongoing process to include Cadet College Petaro in the Sindh Education Endowment Fund for financial aid to cadets.
President Zardari commended the faculty and administration of CCP for their commitment to shaping the future leaders of Pakistan. He announced a special salary package for the teaching staff, underlining his continued support for the institution. President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Cadet College Petaro remains a beacon of excellence, preparing youth for success in a globalized world. With these initiatives, CCP is poised for transformative growth, strengthening its reputation as a leading educational institution in the country.
