Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said on Wednesday that the first budget of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government is based on realistic development targets. It also reflects the commitment of composite development and resources have also been provided for social sector development in the province. Exhibitory projects were announced during the previous tenure while PTI has prioritised public welfare and this budget is not a gimmickry of words like the precious government. Realistic data has been used in our budget and public welfare is particularly focused. In fact, no better budget could be presented in the given circumstances, the chief minister concluded. Separately, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) former chairman Dr Attaur Rahman called on Punjab CM Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office. During the meeting, a discussion was held to promote higher education in the province. The CM said that promotion of quality education is need of the hour and vowed that every possible step will be taken to improve the quality of education in Punjab. The PTI government will innovatively work for the promotion of quality education and a knowledge-based economy will be promoted. We desire to set up three universities in Punjab; one each will be set up in southern, north and central parts of Punjab respectively,” he said adding that establishment of campuses of foreign universities in Punjab will also be welcomed. It is the time to perform rather than waste it in gossip and the expertise of HEC former chairman Dr Attaur Rahman will also be utilised to promote higher education. Provincial Higher Education Minister Raja Yasir Humayun, higher education secretary and others were also present on the occasion. Separately, PTI General Secretary Arshad Dad called on Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office. During the meeting, different matters of mutual interest including party affairs came under discussion. Arshad Dad congratulated the CM for presenting a public- friendly budget in the province and it was also decided that necessary steps will be taken to further activate the party organisation. Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said that PTI is the most popular party in the country, adding that it will be further strengthened in the province. The PTI workers are the crowns of our heads and they will be given due status and respect by us. It is the government of the people and the mandate given by the nation will be fulfilled. The vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan about Pakistan is guarantor to a peaceful and bright future of the country. PTI leadership will fulfill the promises made with the people and every effort will be made for the prosperity of the masses, he concluded. Dad said that PTI belongs to the people and party workers will be taken along. Collective efforts will be made to further strengthen the party and the dream of a new Pakistan will be fulfilled, he concluded. Published in Daily Times, October 18th 2018.