Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday launched the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme 2025 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing the initiative as a long-term investment in youth empowerment rather than a mere distribution of devices.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the University of Haripur and attended by government officials, youth representatives, and students selected as beneficiaries. The scheme, which has already benefited more than one million students nationwide, aims to create an enabling environment where young people can develop their skills and compete at the global level.
Addressing the gathering, the prime minister said the future of Pakistan rests with its youth, stressing that talent must be supported through merit-based opportunities across all provinces. He reiterated that his vision of empowering students dates back to 1997 and remains central to his development agenda.
“The strength of this nation lies in its brilliant and capable students who have the potential to excel on the world stage,” he said, adding that national progress is only possible when all federating units advance together.
Referring to past initiatives, Prime Minister Shehbaz highlighted student training programs in agriculture and international education exchanges, including sending hundreds of students to China, to underline his belief in balanced and inclusive development.
During his address, the prime minister paid tribute to the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Hazara Division for their resilience in the face of terrorism. He acknowledged the sacrifices of the police, law enforcement agencies, and the armed forces, stating that their contributions would be remembered in the nation’s history.
He also commended parents and teachers for their role in shaping the country’s future by nurturing and guiding the younger generation.
Touching on the country’s economic challenges, Prime Minister Shehbaz said Pakistan had successfully averted default and must now focus on accelerating growth through skill development. He emphasized the importance of modern skills in information technology, agriculture, and mining, and announced plans to send youth delegations from all provinces to China for training in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies.
Responding to local demands, the prime minister announced the establishment of a Daanish School in Haripur with separate campuses for boys and girls. He also committed to setting up a women’s campus at the University of Haripur, assuring that it would respect local cultural values. In addition, he pledged the construction of the Haripur Bridge to improve connectivity and access to educational institutions.
Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz urged the youth to draw inspiration from the philosophy of Allama Iqbal and face national challenges with unity, confidence, and determination.
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“The destiny of Pakistan is in the hands of its youth. With faith, discipline, and hard work, they will take this country to new heights,” he said.