Here’s what’s happening across the border: students are heading to China for higher studies, and Russia is delivering assault helicopters that were ordered in 2015.
Watermarked ballot papers from France to be used for 2018 general elections
For the first time, the upcoming general elections in Pakistan will be conducted using ballot paper that is specially imported from France, and bears unique watermarks.
The printing of ballot paper will begin after the special printing paper, which could cost around a billion rupees, is purchased in June. The Tribune quotes sources as saying that Pakistan’s Election Commission has issued an advance amount of Rs 610 million for this process.
The printing press corporation will be given 150 million rupees, and the postal printing will be provided 110 million rupees to ensure the ballot papers are ready for the polls.
China opens up higher-education opportunities for Pak students
Top Chinese universities are providing merit-based scholarships to Pakistani students, which is increasing the number of students who migrate there for higher studies.
There are around 22,000 Pakistani students studying in various courses in China presently. In 2017 alone, 2,500 new Pakistani students enrolled in Chinese universities. According to the latest statistics available with the Pakistani embassy in Beijing, there are 2,700 Pakistani students pursuing post graduate and doctorate courses in top universities on full scholarships sponsored by the Chinese government.
According to consultants who help with admissions in China, most applicants seek admission in three fields: medicine, engineering and linguistics.
Russia starts delivering its advanced assault helicopters to Pakistan
The Pakistan Army Aviation Corps had ordered Mi-35 assault helicopters from Russia in 2015. They are finally being delivered.
Islamabad and Moscow had sealed the $153 million helicopter deal under previous Army chief Raheel Sharif, when he visited Russia in 2016. A preliminary contract was signed in August 2015.
The Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant has been producing Mi-35M attack helicopter, which is the export version of the Mi-24 gunship, since 2005. Apart from the Russian military, the helicopters are also being used by Azerbaijan, Brazil, Iraq, and Venezuela.
Wrestler Muhammad Inam brings Pakistan its first gold medal at Commonwealth Games
Muhammad Inam won Pakistan its first gold medal in the final of the men’s freestyle 86 kg event at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia Saturday.
The 29-year-old wrestler won the finals by beating Nigeria’s Bibo 3:0. In the first period, Inam won one technical point, while Bibo scored none. In the second period, Inam secured five technical points and Bibo failed to score any. He subsequently finished with six points against Bibo’s nil.
In this Dawn report, the Pakistani wrestler revealed a trick he used to beat his Indian rival in the quarter finals, and says he won the finals by sticking to the plan his team came up with.