HARIPUR: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, while inaugurating the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme 2025 distribution in Khyber Pakhtunnkhwa, termed his initiative as not only conferring laptops to students but rather, creating an ecosystem where the youth can unlock their potential and much deserved gain excellence.
The prime minister inaugurated the much-anticipated Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme at a ceremony held at the University of Haripur, that was attended by government officials, youth leaders and a number of beneficiaries, all of whom expressed their gratitude for the scheme that has already impacted over a million students across the country.
A special documentary showcasing the success of the Laptop Scheme since its inception in 2013 was presented at the event. It highlighted the ambitious 2025 vision for the country’s youth and the continuous strides taken under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership to ensure their empowerment through education and technology.
In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared his long-standing 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 emphasized 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 Punjab, it is my firm belief that Pakistan’s development does not rely on any single province. It depends on holistic development,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the stage again to deliver some of his most passionate remarks during the ceremony. He began by honoring 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.