Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON Amir Muqam, on Tuesday said the Prime Minister’s laptop scheme has connected students across the country, especially those from backward areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to modern education and the digital world.
Addressing a laptop distribution ceremony at the University of Swabi as chief guest, the federal minister said that youth are the nation’s most valuable asset and the guarantors of Pakistan’s bright future.
He expressed pride and happiness over interacting with students, calling such gatherings a symbol of hope and progress for the country.
Muqam paid tribute to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for his visionary leadership, stating that the premier has always placed youth at the center of national development.
He termed the PM’s laptop scheme a revolutionary initiative that is empowering students with access to technology and modern learning tools.
He noted that 241 students of the University of Swabi are directly benefiting from the scheme, reflecting the federal government’s seriousness about the future of youth.
The minister also appreciated Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, for his tireless efforts in creating opportunities for education, employment, scholarships and skill development, adding that the programme has empowered millions of young people across Pakistan.
Highlighting national security and diplomacy, Amir Muqam praised the courageous leadership of Pakistan’s civil and military leadership, saying that Pakistan had successfully defended itself and conveyed a strong message of peace, dignity and strength to the world, which enhanced the country’s international standing.
Speaking about development projects, he said that the federal government has taken significant steps for the University of Swabi.
Under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), a project worth Rs1,001 million for the construction of two academic blocks was approved in 2015 during the tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
The project was further expanded in 2023 with an additional allocation of Rs701 million, demonstrating the federal government’s commitment to education.
He added that 50 students of the university have also benefited from merit-based scholarships.
The federal minister regretted that the KP government has not given due priority to youth development and urged it to launch laptop schemes and other educational and welfare initiatives on the pattern of the federal government.
He warned that neglecting youth could endanger the country’s future.
Referring to the demands of the University of Swabi, Amir Muqam assured that the federal government would seriously consider them, terming these demands as an investment in Pakistan’s future.
Concluding his address, he urged students to focus on education, research and character-building, saying that they are the strength and future of Pakistan, and reaffirmed the government’s support for them.
