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PESHAWAR, Jan 06 (APP):Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, SAFRON, and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, here Tuesday distributed laptops among talented students of University of Peshawar (UoP) on merit under the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme.
In his key note address, Engr Amir Muqam said that investing in youth, providing facilities for the public, and building a strong Pakistan is the vision of the leadership of PMLN.
“The destiny of nations is decided by their youth. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has made the greatest sacrifices in the fight against terrorism referring to APS massacre. The education of our children, the future of our youth, and our economy are all linked to peace,” he said while addressing as Chief Guest an impressive ceremony at the University of Peshawar where laptops were distributed among university students under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme.
Engr Amir Muqam was warmly received by the university administration, faculty and students upon arrival at the university campus.
The federal minister said that he felt immense happiness and pride to be among the talented male and female students of the University of Peshawar, where 2,400 students are being provided laptops under the historic Prime Minister’s Youth Program launched for the education empowerment of youth of Pakistan.
He said that 14,000 students are being given laptops in various universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, adding over one million laptops were distributed among students and youth of Pakistan
The Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme was initiated by the PML-N government when Shahbaz Sharif was CM Punjab in 2011; however, unfortunately, this key program was intentionally stopped in 2018-2022 during Govt of PTI by depriving students of the facility.
Keeping in view of its immense importance for students and youth of Pakistan, the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has relaunched the laptop scheme for students of all provinces of Pakistan after coming into power in 2022.
Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam congratulated from the bottom of his heart all the fortunate students of UoP who started benefiting from this landmark program.
While paying tribute to the academic, research, and educational services of the University of Peshawar, he said that this institution has been a beacon of knowledge not only for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but for the entire Pakistan, and that its graduates have played a prominent role in serving the country and the nation in diversed fields and proved their mark.
He reiterated that the destiny of nations is decided in the hands of youth. “Young people are the most valuable asset of any country, and Pakistan’s future is bright because of its talented, courageous, and educated youth.”
He said that the leadership of PML-N, especially the Prime Minister of Pakistan, considers investment in youth as the foundation of national development and sustained progress.
He said the Prime Minister’s Youth Program is practical proof of this vision, adding whether it is the laptop scheme, scholarships, skilled youth programs, or business loans, all these initiatives strongly reflect the federal government’s seriousness and commitment to empowering youth.
The federal minister also highly appreciated the efforts of Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, for working tirelessly to align youth skills with modern requirements.
He said that Pakistan is our homeland and is dearer to us than our lives. “Our history is full of sacrifices, courage, and resilience.”
In the current geo security environment, he said the bravery, wisdom, and professional competence demonstrated by our armed forces and leadership, particularly Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir in Marka Haq against enemy, is a source of great pride for the entire nation. “When the nation is united, no enemy can dare to look at us with ill intent.”
Emphasizing peace is vital for devolopment, he said that peace is the foundation of progress and economic stability of Pakistan.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the province that has made the greatest sacrifices against terrorism.
Engr Amir Muqam said that education of our children, future of our youth, and our economy are all connected to peace.
He warned that our enemies do not want peace to be restored in Pakistan, but our national unity, mutual trust, and the positive energy of youth can defeat every conspiracy.
Addressing the students, he said that they are the future of Pakistan. Platforms like the Digital Youth Hub are providing opportunities in education, technology, skills, and leadership. Through knowledge, character, and unity, they must take the country forward.
“When youth are aware, united, and peaceful, nations progress.” The federal minister acknowledged that public sector universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are currently facing a severe financial crisis and great responsibilities rest on KP Govt to take it out of financial crunch.
He said it was an honor for him to address the students at the University of Peshawar, an institution that is not just an educational center but the intellectual, cultural, and scholarly identity of the province.
“The University of Peshawar is our pride, our past, and our future.” Muqam said he was fully aware that the University of Peshawar has been facing several serious issues recently. Due to low enrollments, a decision has been made to close nine BS programs, which is a matter of concern for students, teachers, and parents.
In addition, challenges such as financial constraints, administrative issues, lack of infrastructure, and insufficient research facilities persist.
In the UoP and several other public universities in the province, teachers, employees, and pensioners are facing severe delays in the payment of salaries and pensions, which is an alarming situation.
He assured that the federal government cannot turn a blind eye to these issues and will not leave the University of Peshawar alone. He personally committed to taking serious and practical steps, in collaboration with the provincial government, Higher Education Commission, and the university administration, to resolve these pressing problems.
He further said that the federal government, in cooperation with the provincial government, will make earnest efforts to address the financial crisis so that academic activities can continue without interruption.
The federal minister said that this is the era of modern knowledge and technology, and he was pleased to learn that the University of Peshawar has launched market-driven programs in data science, artificial intelligence, health sciences, and other fields.
Such programs make youth employable and strengthen the national economy. To make these programs more effective, modern computer labs, AI labs, digitization, and infrastructure rehabilitation are essential.
The federal government considers higher education, research, and digital development as national priorities. Proposals presented by the University of Peshawar, including the PC-I, will be fully supported at relevant forums so that the institution can align with future requirements.
The federal government, along with all relevant stakeholders, will continue its efforts to resolve the financial, administrative, and academic issues of the University of Peshawar.
Through mutual cooperation, transparent planning, and national spirit, these challenges will be overcome.
Criticizing the PTI government, Engineer Amir Muqam said it should move beyond politics and focus on education by releasing funds to UoP and other universities immediately.
Unfortunately, he said the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is wasting valuable time in political confrontation and agitation politics.
Even after 13 years rule of PTI in KP, if the public still has to raise their voice for basic facilities, it is our democratic and moral right to question this. “The people of the province now need practical actions for solution of their problems, not hallow slogans.”
He said that the federal government has not only steered the economy toward stability but has also taken tough yet correct decisions to put the country back on the path of development.
By the grace of Allah, Pakistan’s economy is now moving toward recovery, investment is increasing, and new opportunities are being created for youth.
He said that the vision of his party’s leadership is investing in youth, providing maximum facilities to the public, and building a strong Pakistan. “We believe that if the youth are strong, Pakistan will be strong.”
The ceremony was attended by Pro Vice Chancellor, Registrar, Deans, Directors, Faculty, Parants, Acadamia and students of UoP in large number.