TP Report
Swabi: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, and President Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, has said that the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme has connected students across Pakistan—particularly those from underdeveloped areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—to modern education and the digital world, adding that youth are the country’s most valuable asset.
He expressed these views while addressing, as chief guest, a laptop distribution ceremony under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme at the University of Swabi on Tuesday.
Engineer Amir Muqam said it was a matter of great happiness and pride for him to be among the students of the University of Swabi. He remarked that gatherings of youth guarantee a bright future for Pakistan, as students represent the nation’s tomorrow. Paying tribute to Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, he said that the Prime Minister has always placed youth at the center of national development.
He termed the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme a revolutionary initiative that has bridged the digital divide and provided students, especially in less-developed regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, access to modern education and technology. He noted that 241 students of the University of Swabi are directly benefiting from the scheme, reflecting the federal government’s seriousness about investing in the future of youth.
The Federal Minister also praised Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, for his tireless efforts in creating opportunities in education, employment, scholarships, and skills development, adding that the programme has empowered millions of young people nationwide.
Engineer Amir Muqam further highlighted the federal government’s initiatives for the University of Swabi, stating that during the tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif in 2015, two academic blocks were approved under the PSDP at a cost of Rs 1,001 million. He added that in 2023, the PML-N government further expanded the project with an additional Rs 701 million, demonstrating its strong commitment to education. He also mentioned that 50 students of the University of Swabi have benefited from the Honhaar (Merit) Scholarship Programme.
Criticizing the provincial government, the Federal Minister said that while the federal government is investing heavily in youth, it is unfortunate that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has not prioritized young people in the same manner. He urged the provincial government to launch laptop schemes and similar educational initiatives for the welfare of students.
Referring to the university’s demands, Engineer Amir Muqam assured that the federal government would consider them seriously, emphasizing that spending on education is not an expense but an investment in Pakistan’s future.
Concluding his address, he told the students that they are the strength and future of Pakistan, and urged them to contribute to the country’s progress through education, research, and strong character, assuring them of the federal government’s full support.
