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RAWALPINDI, Jan 29 (APP):Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Hanif Abbasi has described the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme as a clear symbol of merit and performance, and emphasized that it rewards deserving and qualified students for their hard work.
Addressing a ceremony for the distribution of laptops under the scheme in Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR) on Thursday, the minister said that the current leadership takes pride in tangible achievements and performance over mere slogans.
He highlighted that the laptop scheme was originally initiated when Shehbaz Sharif served as Chief Minister of Punjab and has now been reinitiated at the federal level under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
“Its core objective is to equip the youth with modern tools and align them with contemporary demands”, he added.
Abbasi stressed that merit prevails in all aspects of the scheme, ensuring laptops go to qualified and high-achieving students who are honored for their efforts.
Highlighting the achievements in Pakistan Railways, the minister said that Pakistan Railways recorded Rs10.0 billion in revenue in December 2025, was gained by Pakistan Railways which he said remained a historic milestone driven by improved services, passenger confidence and better facilities. He informed the audience that 70 railway stations have been digitized, with Wi-Fi now available at stations and on premier trains.
“Additionally, around 7.0 million people are utilizing POS, internet services in trains and stations, and all trains are expected to be equipped with Wi-Fi by June 30”, he said.
He went on to inform that cleanliness and upgrades have been prioritized, with Rawalpindi Railway Station already modernized as a “smart station.”
The minister revealed plans to export railway coaches and wagons to five countries including Chile, Argentina, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal which reflect Pakistan’s manufacturing capabilities on the global stage.
Abbasi announced that the Hazara Express will commence operations from Havelian by December this year. He also highlighted that no new broad-gauge track had been laid since 1886, but new projects are now underway, including tracks from Karachi to Rohri and beyond, to enhance connectivity.
“Efforts are also advancing to link Pakistan Railways with Central Asian Republics (CARs), including a nearly 140 km project from Chaman to connect with Kazakhstan, expected to be completed by the end of this year”, he said while sharing significant developments underway to connect Pakistan Railways with international links.
He paid tribute to Pakistan’s Armed Forces, describing them as the true saviors of the nation from seas and air to glaciers and land, and credited them for earning global respect through their sacrifices in defeating formidable enemies particular at the Eastern border.
He also praised Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz for initiatives such as e-buses, metro buses, and sewage improvements in the city saying that governance landscape has completely changed in Punjab.
The minister reaffirmed his deep respect for teachers, calling them pivotal in shaping future generations. He urged students to prioritize hard work, learn from successful individuals and contribute actively to national progress. He called on the youth to remain dedicated and play their part in building a prosperous Pakistan.
The minister announced that the university’s long-awaited work on the auditorium and gymnasium will be initiated soon.
Earlier, the university’s vice chancellor Prof. Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman during his welcoming address shed light on the achievements of the institution in research and academic fronts.
Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, Barrister Danyal Chaudhary was also present on the occasion.
Later, Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi, the Parliamentary Secretary Barrister Danyal Ch and VC Prof Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman distributed the laptops among the students.