Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif interacts with a beneficiary of the Prime Minister’s Laptop Program in Haripur. Photo: APP
HARIPUR:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while inaugurating the Prime Minister’s Laptop Distribution Program 2025 in Khyber-Pakhtunnkhwa on Wednesday, termed his initiative not only to confer laptops to students, but rather to create an ecosystem where youth can unlock their potential and acquire well-deserved excellence.
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.
In his speech, the Prime Minister shared his long-held vision of empowering Pakistani youth, emphasizing the importance of providing them opportunities based on their capabilities to achieve global recognition.
“The future of this nation is in the hands of our students, who are not only brilliant but capable enough to conquer the world,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. He reflected on his youth empowerment journey dating back to 1997, emphasizing his commitment to merit-based development in all provinces.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of development in all the federating units of the country, saying that national progress can only be achieved when every region is improved and given equal opportunities.
“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.
The Prime Minister returned to the stage to deliver some of his most impassioned remarks during the ceremony. He began by honoring the people of KP and Hazara division for their resilience in the face of terrorism and current security challenges. He paid tribute to the police, law enforcement and armed forces for their sacrifices in securing the nation.
“My presence here today brings me immense joy as I am in the territory of brave and valiant people who have been fighting terrorism for decades. Your sacrifices, which the nation may sometimes forget, will be remembered with golden words,” the Prime Minister remarked.
He also congratulated the parents and teachers of the students, acknowledging that their hard work and sacrifices helped shape the future of Pakistan.
Prime Minister 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 drive 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, 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 demands for a women’s campus at Haripur University, pledging its early establishment.
“I respect and recognize the culture of KP and 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.
