PESHAWAR, Dec 29 (APP/DNA): Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, SAFRON and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, on Monday said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was working tirelessly for the youth of the country and empowering young people was the foremost priority of his government. “Investment in youth is a guarantee of Pakistan’s prosperous and bright future and that is why empowerment of students of all provinces including KP was a cornerstone of the Federal Govt policy,” said while addressing the distribution ceremony of Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme Phase IV at the University of Malakand.
Addressing the ceremony, the federal minister said that the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme was launched under the vision of PML-N President and former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif that not only restored it but also expanded it further to all provinces of Pakistan.
He said the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif was personally overseeing educational, digital, and skills-development initiatives for empowerment of youth and ensures that the country’s young generation progresses in line with the modern requirements.
Engineer Amir Muqam made it clear that the laptop scheme was entirely based on merit and transparency. He said that if even a single case is proven in which a laptop was awarded without merit, he would be ready to quit politics.
This, he said, is a clear and firm decision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and PMLN President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif that only those students who truly deserve it will benefit from the landmark scheme.
He claimed that from 2018 to 2022, this programme of national importance remained suspended; however, after Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif became Prime Minister again in 2022, the very first decision was to restore this scheme for empowerment of youth. So far, more than one million laptops have been distributed across the country, and this process will continue at full pace in the future as well, he added.
The federal minister said that today, laptops were being distributed among 600 merit-based male and female students of the University of Malakand.
Praising the University’s performance, he said that the University of Malakand, securing the first position in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a prominent position nationwide, proved that if youth from mountainous and remote areas are given opportunities, they too can play a key role in the development of the country and the nation.
Engineer Amir Muqam reiterated that in line with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, the government is also paying full attention to projects such as digital skills programs, scholarships, the green youth movement, sports facilities, and Danish Schools, so that better opportunities for education, skills, and employment can be provided to the youth.
He assured that his office would always be available to resolve the issues and demands of the University of Malakand, and full cooperation would be extended in the approval of PC-I for the improvement of educational and sports infrastructure.
The federal minister urged students to use their energies and abilities in a positive direction, make responsible and constructive use of social media, and play their role in Pakistan’s development, stability, and prosperity.
He said that a strong, dignified, and prosperous Pakistan is our shared goal.
Engr Amir Muqam said that great responsibilities rested on youth to achieve lurals in their selected professions.
On this occasion, the federal minister distributed laptops among students and congratulated them.
The students highly appreciated the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme and thanked Federal Minister Engineer Ameer Muqam for gracing the occasion.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Malakand gave a detailed briefing to the federal minister and President PML-N Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, on the university’s overall performance, academic activities, and challenges.
During the briefing, the Vice Chancellor informed him about ongoing academic programs, research projects, faculty performance, student facilities, and future development plans.
He also highlighted financial and administrative issues faced by the university and the measures required for improving infrastructure, and demanded the construction of a cricket ground for students.
On this occasion, Engineer Amir Muqam praised the academic standards of the University of Malakand and its role in promoting higher education in the region, and said that the government is committed to providing quality education to youth.
He assured that all possible support at the federal level would be provided for resolving legitimate issues of the University of Malakand and completing its development projects.
He said that sustainable development is not possible without the promotion of education, research, and technical skills, and that the government is taking steps to align educational institutions with modern requirements.
Among those present on the occasion were Malik Jehangzeb Khan, President PML-N Malakand Division, Senator Zahid Khan, Malik Farooq Iqbal, District President, Lower Dir, Nisar Khan Wardag, District President, Upper Dir, Malik Nauman Yousafzai, Coordinator, Prime Minister Youth Program, Malakand Division, Faizullah Khan, Ataullah Khan, Zahidullah Khan, Sajjad Khan, and Fareed Yousafzai.
Earlier, Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam, received a warm welcome upon his arrival at the University of Chakdara.
On this occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Chakdara, faculty members, and senior administrative officials were present.
While briefly addressing party workers, Amir Muqam said that Pakistan Muslim League (N) is committed to an agenda of public service, development, and prosperity, and that development projects will be promoted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
