Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hands over a laptop to a student in Islamabad. Photo: Online
There are times in life when a dream seems too far away to touch – until one day faith makes it a goal. In 2011, I was a young college student, balancing my books and my ambitions, maintaining the belief that one day I could serve my country beyond the four walls of a classroom.
The outside world seemed vast to me and my aspirations, perhaps too big for a girl from an ordinary background, sometimes seemed impossible.
However, one name inspired me: Shehbaz Sharif. His tireless dedication, his discipline, his commitment to turning his promises into progress – it all spoke to something deep within me. I didn’t just admire him as a leader; I saw in him a living example of what service, hard work and vision could bring to Pakistan.
I have often wondered what it would be like to meet him, to tell him how his leadership had shaped my own purpose. Little did I know then that destiny was already writing this chapter – gently, powerfully, and in ways I could never have imagined.
One day, senior PML-N leaders called me and asked me a simple but life-changing question: “Write to us what services you can provide to PML-N leaders. » I poured my heart into this letter, expressing not only what I could do, but also why I believed in the vision and values of PML-N.
I wrote about my belief in hard work, merit, and service to the people. To my great surprise and gratitude, the leaders appreciated my sincerity and my 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 on, I devoted myself entirely. I worked tirelessly, researching, writing and helping the team communicate the party’s message to young people. Those early days taught me discipline, teamwork and the power of belief.
My efforts eventually earned me the honor of meeting Shehbaz Sharif, the then Chief Minister, where I participated 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 this time, the Prime Minister’s Laptop Program was launched, a program that became very dear to me. I had the opportunity to work on his documentaries and communication materials.
To my immense joy, I was among the top names in the merit list, second in the entire program, and was featured in the very first video, “Chhoo Lo Aasman”, which beautifully symbolized reaching heaven. This project was not 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 confidence in the potential of Pakistani youth.
This 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 project that I realized how much a single opportunity could change a life.
Today, when I see other young students benefiting from the same initiative, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and determination. It reminds me that empowerment begins with trust in oneself and in the youth of a nation.
Having started its public journey with the PM Laptop Scheme and now helping to shape it, I have seen first-hand how it has opened doors for Pakistan’s youth year after year: by providing deserving students with a personal computer, the program has transformed libraries, hostels and village homes into digital classrooms; it enabled research writing, coding, independent work, and exam preparation without the barrier of shared labs or limited computer time; and it has particularly helped women and students in small towns participate as equals in the digital economy.
Independent evaluations and academic surveys echo what I’ve witnessed: recipients report sharper computing skills (from basic productivity to data tools) and better academic performance, confirming that the device is an enabler, not a symbol.
Institutionally, the program has continued in successive phases, most recently relaunched nationally with an additional 100,000 laptops, to maintain access across cohorts and keep pace with current learning needs. In short, it’s not just about hardware; it is about dignity, mobility and merit, giving a competent student the tools to learn, build and lead.
My journey from there was one of perseverance, faith and continuous learning. I then completed my master’s degree in public policy and later my doctorate, delving deeper into governance, policymaking and social development. Each step has strengthened my understanding of Pakistan’s challenges and renewed my determination to make a meaningful contribution.
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 develop.
Life has come full circle. I started as a student inspired by a visionary leader, and today I am among those working to realize that vision for the nation.
My story is one of faith rewarded, dreams nurtured through hard work, and turning awe into action.
I believe that when your intentions are sincere and your purpose is rooted in service, destiny itself opens doors that once seemed out of reach.
(By Amna Batool, Member of the National Assembly (PML-N)
