PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, announced that 14,000 students across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa universities are receiving laptops under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program. Speaking at a distribution ceremony at the University of Peshawar, he said the initiative reflects Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s commitment to empowering youth through education and technology.
At the University of Peshawar alone, 2,400 students are being provided laptops. Muqam described the scheme as an investment in the country’s future, noting that the destiny of nations lies in the hands of their youth. He added that peace and stability are directly linked with education and economic opportunity, particularly in a province that has endured immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.
The minister recalled that the laptop scheme was first introduced by the PML-N government but discontinued in 2018. Its revival, he said, equips students with modern tools to meet contemporary challenges. He praised the University of Peshawar for its historic role in producing graduates who have served the nation with distinction.
Muqam emphasized that students in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are equally talented and deserve quality educational opportunities. He proposed establishing Danish Schools in the province, offering a 50 percent federal partnership to support such initiatives. He also highlighted scholarships, skill development programs, business loans, and the Digital Youth Hub as part of broader youth-focused efforts.
Acknowledging financial challenges faced by public universities, particularly the University of Peshawar, Muqam assured that the federal government would continue to support higher education, research, and digital development. He also commended the leadership of Pakistan’s armed forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, describing unity as the nation’s strength.
Criticizing the provincial government, he said that despite being in power for over a decade, it has failed to provide basic facilities. He added that the federal government has taken difficult but necessary steps to stabilize the economy, which is now showing signs of recovery and creating new opportunities for youth.
The ceremony was attended by Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Johar Ali, faculty members, MPAs, and PML-N officials, who welcomed the minister and joined in congratulating the students.
Also read: PM Laptop Distribution Program held at Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan
