Buzdar gives nod to 12 new universities

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has announced the establishment of 12 new universities in different districts of the province.

He made this announcement after meeting with Punjab Minister for Higher Education Raja Yasir Humayun called on him at his office on Thursday and briefed the chief minister about 197 higher education projects which were being completed with an estimated cost of Rs15 billion.

He directed authorities concerned to take necessary steps to approve the charter of new universities at the earliest. “The government is striving hard to provide the best higher education opportunities to the youth, especially the women, at their doorsteps,” he said.

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He vowed that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) -led government would transform Punjab into a hub of quality higher education in the region. Improvement in the global ranking of Punjab-based universities is a welcome sign, he added.

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser also called on Bazdar at his office. Both leaders discussed the current political situation in the country and matters of mutual interest. They condemned the negative politics of the opposition and agreed to counter every tactic and also decided to make bilateral relations more effective.

Buzdar pointed out those who speak of no-confidence had earlier claimed to hold rallies and tender resignations. Those claiming about a no-confidence move had boasted about tendering resignations and holding long marches.

“It's an attempt to avoid a long march,” he indicated.

Buzdar said the government would not be shaken by a long march or short march as Pakistan's most failed opposition has suffered defeat at every opportunity. The government has taken the allied party along while the welfare of the people was paramount.

He said the new Pakistan has provided health coverage to 73% of the population of Punjab through National Health Cards. Universal health insurance would be provided to the entire population of Punjab by March by offering free health coverage of Rs1 million to each family, he added.

Qaiser lauded the initiative of the New Pakistan National Health Card and stated that the Punjab government is serving ailing humanity by introducing the universal health insurance programme.

“The opposition's attempts to spread political chaos would not succeed,” he added.

In the current situation, the politics of chaos is against the national interest. Punjab is on the path of development, he added. MNAs Haider Ali Khan, Junaid Akbar Khan, Saleh Mohammad Khan, Principal Secretary to CM and others were also present on the occasion.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th, 2022.