From a laptop to NA: my Journey of faith, service

Amna Batool traces path from youth schemes to National Assembly

There are moments in life when a dream feels too distant to touch — until one day, faith turns it into purpose. In 2011, I was a young student during college, balancing books and ambition, holding onto a quiet belief that one day I could serve my country beyond the four walls of a classroom.

The world outside felt vast, and my aspirations, perhaps too grand for a girl from an ordinary background, sometimes felt impossible.

Yet, one name kept me inspired: Shehbaz Sharif. His tireless dedication, his discipline, his commitment to turning promises into progress — it all spoke to something deep within me. I didn't just admire him as a leader; I saw in him the living example of what service, hard work and vision could achieve for Pakistan.

I often wondered what it would feel like to meet him, to tell him how his leadership had shaped my own sense of purpose. I didn't know then that fate was already writing that chapter — quietly, powerfully and in ways I could never have imagined.

One day, senior leadership from PML-N called me in and asked me a simple but life-changing question: "Write for us what services you can provide for the PML-N leadership." I poured my heart into that letter, expressing not just what I could do, but why I believed in the vision and values of PML-N.

I wrote about my faith in hard work, merit, and service to the people. To my surprise and gratitude, the leadership appreciated my sincerity and vision. They invited me to join the social media and research wing of PML-N, marking the beginning of my political journey.

From that moment onward, I dedicated myself completely. I worked tirelessly, researching, writing, and helping the team communicate the party's message to the youth. Those early days taught me discipline, teamwork, and the power of belief.

My efforts eventually earned me the honour of meeting Shehbaz Sharif, then serving as chief minister, where I took part in discussions on youth empowerment and education reform. His leadership left a lasting impression on me and pushed me to work even harder for the causes I believed in.

Around that time, the Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme was launched, a program that became very close to my heart. I had the opportunity to work on its documentaries and communication materials.

To my immense joy, I was among the top names on the merit list, second in the entire program, and was featured in the very first video, "Chhoo Lo Aasman," which beautifully symbolised reaching for the sky. That project wasn't just about distributing laptops; it was about empowering students to dream big, and I was proud to be a part of it.

I still remember the day I received that laptop, it wasn't just a piece of technology; it was a symbol of recognition, hope, and trust in the potential of Pakistan's youth.

That laptop opened doors for me that I could never have imagined at the time: it helped me complete my academic research, stay connected, and develop the skills that would later become the foundation of my career in policymaking. It was through this scheme that I realised how deeply a single opportunity could change a life.

Today, when I see other young students benefiting from the same initiative, I feel a profound sense of gratitude and purpose. It reminds me that empowerment begins with belief in one's self, and in a nation's youth.

As someone who began her public journey with the PM Laptop Scheme and now helps shape it, I've seen first-hand how it has opened doors for Pakistan's youth year after year: by giving meritorious students a personal computer, the scheme has turned libraries, hostels, and village homes into digital classrooms; it has enabled research writing, coding, freelancing, and exam prep without the barrier of shared labs or limited computer time; and it has especially helped women and students from smaller towns participate in the digital economy on equal footing.

Independent evaluations and university surveys echo what I witnessed: recipients report sharper IT skills (from basic productivity to data tools) and better academic outcomes, validating that the device is a catalyst, not a token.

Institutionally, the program has continued in successive phases, most recently re-launching at a national scale with another 100,000 laptops, to sustain access across cohorts and keep pace with today's learning needs. In short, this isn't just about hardware; it's about dignity, mobility, and merit, giving a capable student the tools to learn, build, and lead.

My journey from there was one of persistence, faith, and continuous learning. I went on to complete my MPhil in Public Policy and later my PhD, delving deeper into governance, policymaking, and social development. Each step strengthened my understanding of Pakistan's challenges and renewed my determination to contribute meaningfully.

Today, as a Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, I look back with gratitude and pride. The very program that once gave me a laptop and a platform to learn is now the program I help oversee and expand.

Life has come full circle. I started as a student inspired by a visionary leader, and today I stand among those working to realise that vision for the nation.

My story is one of faith rewarded, of dreams nurtured through hard work, and of turning admiration into action.

I believe that when your intentions are sincere and your purpose is rooted in service, destiny itself opens the doors that once seemed out of reach.

(By Amna Batool, Member National Assembly (PML-N)