Prime Minister says economy has moved back from the brink of default, now is the time to boost growth and young people must lead that charge
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the laptop distribution ceremony in Haripur. PHOTO: Official PM/X
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that the government will send Pakistani students to Europe and China for training in artificial intelligence.
Addressing a laptop distribution ceremony at Haripur University on Wednesday, the Prime Minister stressed that students from across Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), will be selected purely on merit.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the much-awaited Prime Minister’s Laptop Program at a ceremony held at Haripur University, attended by government officials, youth leaders and a number of beneficiaries, all of whom expressed their gratitude for the program which has already reached over a million students across the country.
A special documentary showcasing the success of the Laptop Scheme since its inception in 2013 was shown at the event. He highlighted the ambitious vision of the country’s youth for 2025 and the continued progress made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure their empowerment through education and technology.
In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz shared his long-held vision of empowering Pakistani youth, emphasizing the importance of providing them opportunities based on their capabilities to achieve global recognition.
“Whether it is the laptops or the 1,000 students trained in agriculture, or even the 600 students I sent to China during my tenure as Punjab Chief Minister, I strongly believe that Pakistan’s development does not depend on a single province. It depends on holistic development,” he added.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the country’s broader challenges, particularly the state of the economy and the need for skills development. He spoke of the importance of modern skills in sectors such as IT, agriculture and mining, emphasizing the need to bridge the gap between the capabilities of young people and the demands of the industry.
“We have successfully brought the economy back from the brink of default, and now it is time for us to spur growth. This will require modern skills, and our youth must lead this charge,” he said. He also announced plans to send delegations from all provinces to China to train in AI and other cutting-edge technologies to meet the nation’s needs.
In response to local demands, Prime Minister Shehbaz 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 demands for a women’s campus at Haripur University, pledging its early establishment.
“I respect and recognize the culture of KP, and I promise that this women’s campus will be built to honor female students and their aspirations,” he said. The Prime Minister also promised the construction of Haripur Bridge, aimed at connecting educational institutions and promoting better access to resources.
The Prime Minister concluded his speech with a message of unity and national pride. He urged the youth to draw inspiration from the teachings of Allama Iqbal, who envisioned a Pakistan where youth would meet 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.
