The UAE has completed construction of a military college in Pakistan, at a cost of US$5.4 million (Dh19.8m), the UAE Project to Assist Pakistan (UAEPAP) said on Saturday.
Cadet College Wana is the largest educational project in the South Waziristan region, the organisation said.
It was built under the directives of President Sheikh Khalifa, as part of UAEPAP’s continuing mission to provide humanitarian and developmental aid to Pakistan, and to support its educational sector.
State news agency Wam said the opening ceremony of the college was attended by General Raheel Sharif, Pakistan’s army chief of staff; Isa Al Basha Al Nuaimi, UAE ambassador to Pakistan; Abdullah Al Ghafli, director of UAEPAP; and UAE embassy staff, Pakistan army commanders and other officials.
Gen Sharif, Mr Al Nuaimi and Mr Al Ghafli unveiled a memorial plaque.
The officials also toured the college, whose facilities include technical and scientific laboratories.
Gen Sharif expressed his gratitude to Sheikh Khalifa for his support to Pakistan and for the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives, particularly during natural disasters and crises, as well as backing for development projects.
The UAE has provided a significant amount of assistance in tribal areas in Fata and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Gen Sharif said. He praised the college as an important project in the development of South Waziristan’s education sector.
Mr Al Nuaimi said that under the wise leadership of Sheikh Khalifa, the UAE had supported the establishment of several humanitarian, educational, health and infrastructural projects through UAEPAP.
He also underscored the importance of the projects in lifting people’s living standards, as well as provision of services in the health, education and social sectors.
Waziristan is a mountainous area in north-west Pakistan. In 2013, UAE and Pakistani officials opened a US$38m road there, named after Sheikh Khalifa.
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