JAVED UR REHMAN
CHAKDARA,LOWER DIR:
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, SAFRON, and President Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, has said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is working tirelessly for the youth of the country and empowering young people is the top priority of the government. He said that investing in youth is a guarantee of Pakistan’s bright and secure future.
He was addressing the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme Phase IV distribution ceremony at the University of Malakand on Monday. Engineer Amir Muqam stated that the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme was initiated under the vision of PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and later restored and expanded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He added that the Prime Minister personally supervises youth-related educational, digital and skills-based programs to ensure that Pakistan’s youth move forward in accordance with modern demands.
The Federal Minister emphasized that the laptop scheme is being implemented strictly on merit and transparency. He said that if even a single case of a laptop being awarded without merit is proven, he is ready to quit politics. This, he said, reflects the firm policy of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Quaid Muhammad Nawaz Sharif to ensure justice and fairness.
Engineer Amir Muqam said that the scheme remained suspended from 2018 to 2022, but after assuming office in 2022, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif restored it as one of his first decisions. So far, more than one million laptops have been distributed across the country and the process will continue in the future.
He informed that laptops are being distributed among 600 merit-based male and female students of the University of Malakand. Praising the university’s performance, he said that its leading position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and recognition at the national level prove that youth from remote and mountainous areas can also play a vital role in national development if provided with opportunities.
The Federal Minister said that the government is also focusing on digital skills programs, scholarships, the Green Youth Movement, sports facilities and Danish Schools to provide better education, skills and employment opportunities to youth. He assured that his office will fully cooperate in resolving the issues of the University of Malakand and in the approval of PC-I for improving educational and sports infrastructure.
At the conclusion of his address, Engineer Amir Muqam urged students to use their abilities positively, make responsible use of social media and contribute to the development, stability and prosperity of Pakistan. He said that a strong and dignified Pakistan is a shared national goal.
On the occasion, the Federal Minister distributed laptops among the students, who appreciated the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme and thanked Engineer Amir Muqam.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Malakand briefed the Federal Minister on academic performance, research activities, faculty, student facilities and future development plans. He highlighted financial and administrative challenges and demanded the construction of a cricket ground and improvement of infrastructure.
Engineer Amir Muqam appreciated the educational standards of the University of Malakand and assured full federal support for resolving its legitimate issues and completing development projects.
Those present included Malik Jahanzeb Khan, Senator Zahid Khan, Malik Farooq Iqbal, Nisar Khan Wardag, Malik Nauman Yousafzai, Faizullah Khan, Ataullah Khan, Zahidullah Khan, Sajjad Khan and Farid Yousafzai.
Earlier, Engineer Amir Muqam received a warm welcome on his arrival at the University of Chakdara by the Vice Chancellor, faculty members, senior officials and party workers.
