IF newspaper reports are to be believed, the government of Sindh has decided to introduce the Chinese language as a compulsory subject in schools from 2013. Apart from high level political support for this impulsive decision that is hardly well-thought-out or prepared, it also finds support from the sober, sedate and learned poet Pirzada Qasim, Vice-Chancellor of Karachi University.

Apart from issues related to curriculum, preparation of books, training and availability of teachers, let none believe that we would receive the financial and academic support from the people's government.

Some years ago, after Habib Public School won the Sindh junior and open swimming championship for six years on the trot, I went to the Chinese consulate seeking their support to get a Chinese coach who could conduct a training programme for high-level coaching for the promising swimmers, particularly the school's coach who could carry forward the coaching system in future years.

The Chinese official gave me a hefty estimate of expense, including five - star hotel accommodation per diem and salary in US dollars for the swimming coach.  When I asked him if this support did not come under the Pakistan - China friendship treaty, I was told that the treaty has expired its term.

If we require a swimming expert from China, this sum will have to be paid. My pleading that ‘ours is a not-for-profit school’ could cut no ice with the Chinese official who was very cut and dry in his submissions.

So, to expect any support from the Chinese government on our road to China is so much daydreaming. Like furthering our economic interests in the global market by learning Chinese!

ANWAR ABBAS Karachi