SARGODHA: The Punjab Energy Department will install 600 bio-plants in Sargodha and Gujrat divisions.

A meeting, attended by Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti and deputy commissioners of Mianwali, Khushab, Bhakkar and Sargodha, was briefed by Osama Rauf, deputy director of energy, about the initiative.

The project will facilitate residents in rural areas lacking natural gas facilities.

To establish this plant, two to 12.5 acres, along with six people and eight cattle, are required. The entire cost of importing these plants from China, which is Rs400,000 will be covered by the Punjab government.

These bio-plants will serve the community’s energy needs for up to two decades.

Aspiring users can submit their applications to the deputy commissioner’s office. The bio-plants will offer gas for cooking, reducing the demand for wood and producing valuable compost.

Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti appointed Director of Development Bilal Hasan as the divisional focal person and directed deputy commissioners to appoint their respective focal persons.

In the initial phase, 90 plants have been approved for Sargodha and 70 for Khushab, Mianwali, and Bhakkar each.

To raise awareness, an advertising campaign will be launched in newspapers.

SEMINAR: The Department of Politics & International Relations (IR) at the University of Sargodha (UoS) hosted a seminar titled “Understanding Contemporary China and China-Pakistan Relations” on Tuesday.

Keynote speakers included Director of the Pakistan Institute of China Studies Dr Fazlur Rehman, and Dr Asiya Saif Alvi, chairperson of the Department of Politics & IR. They discussed the importance of comprehending China’s political, economic, and cultural dimensions to enhance connectivity with Pakistan.

Speakers also emphasized the growth of the Pakistan-China friendship, characterized by a robust and mutually beneficial relationship founded on trust, goodwill, and close cooperation. The seminar included an engaging question-and-answer session, providing students with an opportunity to interact with the distinguished speakers, who shared their profound knowledge on various topics.

Dr Rehman highlighted China’s commitment to collaborating on skill-based programs across all Pakistani universities to bolster education and development in the country.

Published in Dawn, October 25th, 2023