LAHORE, Feb 23 (APP):Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has said that the Holy Quran and Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) are true sources of strength and guidance, emphasizing the urgent need for the nation to reconnect with these foundations to achieve genuine success.
He was addressing the Prime Minister’s Laptop Distribution Ceremony among high-achieving students at the University of Engineering and Technology on Monday.
He said that remarkable achievements can be realized through the transformative power of education.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, he said the laptop distribution program reflects the government’s commitment to the digital empowerment of the country’s youth.
He noted, “Humanity has progressed through various economic eras from the agricultural economy to the industrial revolution and that today we are living in the age of the knowledge revolution, supported by the digital revolution.” “In today’s world, the creative power of the human mind determines the success or failure of both individuals and nations,” he observed.
He recalled that the laptop scheme was first launched in 2010 under the leadership of then Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, with the vision of equipping young people with digital tools to compete globally.
He further noted that in 2013, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) government introduced Vision 2025, which focused on excellence in science, technology, and IT while empowering youth to meet future challenges.
Recognizing emerging global trends, he said that in 2017 the government established several advanced research centers, including the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, National Centre for Cyber Security, National Centre for Big Data and Cloud Computing, National Centre for Automation and Robotics, Centre for Satellite Technology and GIS, and the National Centre for Applied Mathematics.
He further said, “Whenever Pakistan embarks on a path of development, it faces disruptions.”
Citing examples of countries such as Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, China, Singapore, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Turkiye, he said their transformation is made possible by 15 years of consistent and uninterrupted policies. Ahsan Iqbal stated that continuity of policies is essential for sustainable national development. He maintained that Pakistan’s development trajectory was disrupted in 2018, adding that had the process continued uninterrupted, the country would have achieved many of its development targets.
He said that it is very unfortunate that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project was scandalized. He said, “CPEC project widely regarded as a potential game changer for Pakistan.”
Referring to global trends, he mentioned that according to the 2025 Global Risks Report by the World Economic Forum, misinformation ranks as the second-largest global risk, while polarization ranks third. He warned that these elements are increasingly being used as tools to weaken nations and stressed the need for vigilance against them.
He emphasized that Pakistan must preserve domestic cohesion and unity at all costs, cautioning that internal unrest would have serious negative consequences.
Looking ahead to 2047, he said Pakistan must win the “Marka-i-Taraqi” just as it won the “Marka-i-Haq”, adding that the government remains fully committed to achieving this goal.
He underscored the importance of skills development for strengthening the national economy and urged students to make productive use of the laptops. “These laptops are not merely gadgets, they are an investment in your future,” he added.
He expressed hope that students would use these tools to excel in their respective fields and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
UET Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir and other distinguished guests also addressed the ceremony.