PM Shehbaz launches laptop scheme 2025 at Haripur University in KP

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Wednesday, while inaugurating the Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme 2025 distribution in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, termed his initiative not only conferring laptops to students but rather, creating an ecosystem where the youth can unlock their potential and, much deservedly, gain excellence.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the much-anticipated Prime Minister's Laptop Scheme at a ceremony held at the University of Haripur, attended by government officials, youth leaders, and a number of beneficiaries. All of whom expressed their gratitude for the scheme, which has already impacted over a million students across the country.

In his address, the prime minister shared his longstanding vision of empowering Pakistan's youth, stressing the importance of providing them opportunities based on their capabilities to gain global recognition.

"The future of this nation lies in the hands of our students, who are not just brilliant but capable enough to conquer the world," said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He reflected on his journey of youth empowerment dating back to 1997, underscoring his commitment to merit-based development across all provinces.

The PM emphasised the importance of development in all federating units of the country, stating that national progress can only be achieved when every region is uplifted and provided equal opportunities.

"Whether it's the laptops or the 1000 students trained in agriculture, or even the 600 students I sent to China during my tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, it is my firm belief that Pakistan's development does not rely on any single province. It depends on holistic development," he added.

The prime minister took the stage again to deliver some of his most passionate remarks during the ceremony. He began by honouring the people of KP and Hazara Division for their resilience in the face of terrorism and ongoing security challenges. He paid tribute to the police, law enforcement agencies, and the armed forces for their sacrifices in securing the nation.

"My presence here today brings me immense joy because I am in the province of brave and valiant people who have fought terrorism for decades. Your sacrifices, which the nation may sometimes forget, will be remembered in golden words," the Prime Minister remarked.

He also praised the parents and teachers of the students, acknowledging that their hard work and sacrifices were instrumental in shaping the future of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also shed light on the nation's broader challenges, particularly the state of the economy and the need for skill development. He touched upon the importance of modern skills in sectors like IT, agriculture and mining, stressing the need to bridge the gap between the youth's capabilities and the industry's demands.

"We have pulled the economy back from the brink of default, and now it is time for us to boost growth. It will require modern skills, and our youth must lead this charge," he said. He also announced plans for sending delegations from all provinces to China for training in AI and other cutting-edge technologies to serve the nation's needs.

In response to local demands, the Prime Minister made several key announcements. These included the establishment of a Daanish School in Haripur, a model similar to those founded in Punjab, with separate campuses for boys and girls. He also responded to requests for a women's campus at Haripur University, committing to its swift establishment.

"I respect and acknowledge the culture of KP, and I promise that this women's campus will be built to honour the students and their aspirations," he said. The Prime Minister also pledged the construction of the Haripur Bridge, aimed at connecting educational institutions and promoting better access to resources.

The Prime Minister concluded his address with a message of unity and national pride. He urged the youth to be inspired by the teachings of Allama Iqbal, who envisioned a Pakistan where the youth would rise to global challenges with dignity and determination.

"We must accept the challenges before us and move forward with unity and conviction. The future of Pakistan is in the hands of our youth, and they will lead this country to unprecedented heights," he said.