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PM Shehbaz calls laptop scheme enabling ecosystem for youth to unlock potential, gain excellence

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NNPS Desk
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HARIPUR, Dec 17 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, while inaugurating the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme 2025 distribution in Khyber Pakhtunnkhwa, termed his initiative as not only conferring laptops to students but rather, creating an ecosystem where the youth can unlock their potential and much deserved gain excellence.

The prime minister inaugurated the much-anticipated Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme at a ceremony held at the University of Haripur, that was attended by government officials, youth leaders and a number of beneficiaries, all of whom expressed their gratitude for the scheme that has already impacted over a million students across the country.

A special documentary showcasing the success of the Laptop Scheme since its inception in 2013 was presented at the event. It highlighted the ambitious 2025 vision for the country’s youth and the continuous strides taken under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership to ensure their empowerment through education and technology.

In his address, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif shared his long-standing vision of empowering Pakistan’s youth, stressing the importance of providing them opportunities based on their capabilities to gain global recognition.

“The future of this nation lies in the hands of our students, who are not just brilliant but capable enough to conquer the world,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He reflected on his journey of youth empowerment dating back to 1997, underscoring his commitment to merit-based development across all provinces.

The PM emphasized the importance of development in all federating units of the country, stating that national progress can only be achieved when every region is uplifted and provided equal opportunities.

“Whether it’s the laptops or the 1000 students trained in agriculture, or even the 600 students I sent to China during my tenure as Chief Minister Punjab, it is my firm belief that Pakistan’s development does not rely on any single province. It depends on holistic development,” he added.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took the stage again to deliver some of his most passionate remarks during the ceremony. He began by honoring the people of KP and Hazara Division for their resilience in the face of terrorism and ongoing security challenges. He paid tribute to the police, law enforcement agencies, and the armed forces for their sacrifices in securing the nation.

“My presence here today brings me immense joy because I am in the province of brave and valiant people who have fought terrorism for decades. Your sacrifices, which the nation may sometimes forget, will be remembered in golden words,” the Prime Minister remarked.

He also praised the parents and teachers of the students, acknowledging that their hard work and sacrifices were instrumental in shaping the future of Pakistan.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also shed light on the nation’s broader challenges, particularly the state of the economy and the need for skill development. He touched upon the importance of modern skills in sectors like IT, agriculture and mining, stressing the need to bridge the gap between the youth’s capabilities and the industry’s demands.

“We have pulled the economy back from the brink of default, and now it is time for us to boost growth. It will require modern skills, and our youth must lead this charge,” he said. He also announced plans for sending delegations from all provinces to China for training in AI and other cutting-edge technologies to serve the nation’s needs.

In response to local demands, the Prime Minister made several key announcements. These included the establishment of a Daanish School in Haripur, a model similar to those founded in Punjab, with separate campuses for boys and girls. He also responded to requests for a women’s campus at Haripur University, committing to its swift establishment.

“I respect and acknowledge the culture of KP, and I promise that this women’s campus will be built to honor the students and their aspirations,” he said. The Prime Minister also pledged the construction of Haripur Bridge, aimed at connecting educational institutions and promoting better access to resources.

The Prime Minister concluded his address with a message of unity and national pride. He urged the youth to be inspired by the teachings of Allama Iqbal, who envisioned a Pakistan where the youth would rise to global challenges with dignity and determination.

“We must accept the challenges before us, and move forward with unity and conviction. The future of Pakistan is in the hands of our youth, and they will lead this country to unprecedented heights,” he said.

Several students shared their personal stories of how the Laptop Scheme has transformed their lives. Ghalib Hassan, a son of a martyr from Peshawar, spoke of how the laptop he received under the scheme was not just a tool for education but a key to his success.

“My father’s dream was to connect me with the digital world, and thanks to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, that dream has been fulfilled. This laptop is not just a machine; it’s a gateway to my future,” Ghalib said. The laptop, he added, helped me to secure freelancing projects and earn an income.

Maham Batool from Karak also shared her gratitude, noting that the laptop helped her achieve her career goals. “Thanks to the laptop, I am now serving in Grade 17 at Askari Bank. My family and I owe this opportunity to the Laptop Scheme,” she said.

Wareesha Eman, from Lakki Marwat, spoke with pride about her achievements, thanking both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the government for their continued support. “This laptop is an honor for my village, family, and university. I also received the PEEF scholarship, which allowed me to pursue my education in Punjab,” Wareesha said.

Aimal Abbass, son of a Pakistan Army martyr, expressed heartfelt thanks for the scheme. He spoke of the sacrifices made by his family and his mother’s pride in his achievements. “The Laptop Scheme has brought immense joy to my family,” Aimal said, his voice filled with gratitude.

The event was marked by a guard of honor by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police’s smartly turned out contingent and Police Band for the recipients, and applause from the crowd.

Earlier, newly elected Member of National Assembly (MNA) from Haripur, Babar Nawaz expressed the hopes and expectations of the people of Haripur from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s leadership. He highlighted the ongoing issues faced by the constituency, particularly in terms of education and development.

He also pointed out that many girls in Haripur, due to cultural barriers, were unable to pursue education in co-education institutions. In this regard, he made a special request for the establishment of a women’s campus at Haripur University, echoing the sentiments of the local community, he said.

Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Amir Muqam expressed his deep appreciation for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s ongoing efforts, particularly in the KP and Hazara region. “The efforts of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are unmatched and cannot be ignored. The people of KP and Hazara are immensely grateful for the work he has done, and the frequent visits to the region reflect his commitment to the people here,” Muqam remarked.

ISSI inks MoU with Uzbekistan’s leading think-tank DSC

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) on Wednesday hosted a delegation from Uzbekistan led by Eldor Sobirjonovich Tulyakov, Executive Director of the Development Strategy Center (DSC).
Rovshan Alimov, Deputy Ambassador of Uzbekistan in Pakistan, also attended the meeting, said a press release.
Director General ISSI Ambassador Sohail Mahmood, in his welcome remarks, highlighted Pakistan’s ‘Vision Central Asia’ based on a comprehensive five-pronged framework that underpins Pakistan’s engagement with Central Asia — encompassing political and diplomatic engagement; trade and investment; energy and connectivity; security and defence; and people-to-people exchanges.
He emphasized that Uzbekistan’s reform-driven openness and connectivity aspirations closely align with Pakistan’s own vision for regional integration. Noting the steady expansion of bilateral cooperation in trade, transport, and energy connectivity, he cited tangible progress under the Pakistan–Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership, Transit Trade Agreement, advancements toward regional connectivity through the Trans-Afghan Railway, and the growing momentum in business-to-business exchanges as encouraging indicators of deeper integration.
He further underscored that the enduring cultural, religious, and spiritual affinities between Pakistan and Uzbekistan provide a strong civilizational foundation for strengthening historical linkages. In this context, he observed that the year 2026 will hold special significance for both countries, marking the 500th anniversary of the establishment of the Mughal Empire in the subcontinent by Zahir-ud-Din Babur, a native of Uzbekistan’s Ferghana Valley.
Ambassador Sohail Mahmood also briefed the delegation on ISSI’s mission, vision, and ongoing activities and stressed the importance of expanded think-tank and academic exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.
Executive Director Tulyakov, in his remarks, acknowledged the deep bonds of history, faith, culture, and shared traditions between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, while highlighting the steadily expanding scope of bilateral cooperation.
He lauded the strategic partnership between the two countries as a vital foundation for further elevating the relationship to new heights and appreciated Pakistan’s generous offer of access to its seaports as a significant facilitative step for enhancing Uzbekistan’s trade connectivity. While outlining the contours of people-centric development currently underway in Uzbekistan, he proposed further broadening of the ambit of cooperation between the two countries by focusing on improved air connectivity, expanded academic and scholarly exchanges, and the promotion of tourism.
The talks were followed by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between ISSI and DSC aimed at fostering joint research initiatives, expert exchanges, collaborative publications, and sustained academic engagement.

NA body for strengthening of Community Welfare Attaché network

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The National Assembly Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, chaired by Syed Rafiullah here Wednesday examined the growing phenomenon of passengers being prevented from boarding flights (off-loadings), while the role and performance of the Community Welfare Attaché network in protecting Pakistanis abroad.
During the meeting, the Director General Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) briefed the committee on operational realities at ports of exit, said a press release.
He explained that the spike in off-loadings is multi-faceted. The Director-General told the 66,154 passengers were offloaded this year, a significant increase from the 35,000 offloaded the previous year. The FIA clarified that 51,000 of these individuals were stopped due to questionable veracity of their travel documents falling into three main categories: work visas, tourist visas, and Umrah visas.
The DG FIA highlighted that illegal migration and begging rings are severely damaging Pakistan’s international image. He reported that 56,000 beggars were deported from Saudi Arabia, and the UAE has recently restricted visas. Additionally, illegal migration trends have been observed toward Africa, and even on tourist visas to countries like Cambodia and Thailand. The FIA officials defended the stringent measures as necessary to curb human trafficking and protect Pakistan’s international standing.
The DG FIA noted that the surge in offloading is a countermeasure against fraudulent migration rings, revealing that 56,000 individuals involved in organized begging were recently deported from Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, officials pointed to growing restrictions from the UAE and emerging illegal migration routes toward Africa and Europe as drivers for the heightened vigilance.
Members welcomed the enforcement work but emphasized that enforcement must be paired with an accessible redressal channel so that genuine travelers who are wrongly off-loaded may obtain rapid relief. The committee therefore directed FIA and the Ministry of Interior to finalize, publish and operationalize a clear SOP for off-loading and an airport-visible complaints mechanism.
The committee also heard that a risk-analysis unit has been created and an “IMMI” mobile application is being developed to improve pre-departure screening and real-time monitoring of immigration counters. Members urged immediate interoperability between FIA systems and the Protectorate/E-Protector platform so that verification and “ok-to-board” checks are done before passengers reach the airport counter. The Chair stressed that the public must be informed of how a passenger may challenge an off-loading decision and that contact details and an online complaint form be displayed at all airports.
The Ministry presented the CWA network briefing. Members were given a full account of the legal basis for CWAs (Emigration Ordinance, 1979), the merit-based selection process, KPIs and the Ministry’s expansion plan to restore and add CWA wings at priority stations. The committee took detailed note of the Gulf-region returns: CWAs reported collectively handling over 55,000 welfare cases in 2025, including more than 30,000 assisted repatriations/ETDs, 3,400+ death-related interventions and thousands of prison-visits and legal-aid interventions. The committee welcomed these achievements but also recorded persistent operational constraints — passport confiscation by employers, employer resistance to dues recovery, host-country legal limitations, language barriers and weak outreach to remote labour camps — and stressed that these constraints must be addressed through bilateral engagement and strengthened in-mission capacity.
On the Gulf-region performance, Members highlighted noteworthy outcomes — rapid issuance of Emergency Travel Documents, targeted repatriations, and coordinated legal support — while pressing for better prevention (pre-departure orientation and contract validation), improved employer engagement, and a dedicated legal-aid panel in mission posts to speed judicial remedies. The committee therefore directed the Ministry to provide full, station-wise performance returns for each CWA in the Gulf (including case-level summaries, staff rosters and resourcing requests) and to table a prioritized plan for the next ten new stations envisaged in the presentation.
In terms of institutional reforms, the committee recorded immediate recommendations: first, that an SOP and public complaint mechanism for off-loaded passengers be produced and displayed at all airports, and that the full list and performance returns of Gulf CWAs be submitted to the committee.

CCP grants private schools additional time to ensure due process

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has received requests from major private school systems seeking additional time to submit their replies to the show-cause notices.
The proceedings relate to alleged violations of Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2010 concerning abuse of dominant position, requiring parents to purchase branded uniforms, stationery, and other mandatory supplies exclusively from designated vendors.
After considering these requests, and to ensure due process and a fair, transparent opportunity of hearing for all parties, the Commission has granted an extension of time until 30 December 2025 for submission of responses.
Some school systems have already submitted their written replies, said a press release.
The school systems issued show-cause notices include Beaconhouse School System, The City School, Headstart, Lahore Grammar School (LGS), Froebel’s, Roots International, Roots Millennium, KIPS, Allied Schools, Super Nova, Dar-e-Arqam, STEP School, Westminster International, United Charter School, and The Smart School, among others.
Upon receipt of replies, the CCP will fix hearings at which the concerned schools or their authorized counsel will be given an opportunity to present their case in accordance with the law.
CCP Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu reiterated that the education sector is a vital public interest sector with a direct impact on millions of households.
He affirmed that the Commission remains committed to ensuring fair competition, safeguarding consumer welfare, and conducting proceedings in a transparent, impartial, and lawful manner.

CDA, QAU agree to survey university land to identify encroachments

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Wednesday assured Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) of full support in removing encroachments from its land, as both sides agreed to conduct a joint survey to identify illegal occupations.
The assurance was given during a meeting between QAU Vice Chancellor Dr Niaz Ahmed Akhtar and the CDA chairman at the authority’s headquarters. Senior CDA officials, including members from administration, finance, planning and engineering wings, were also present.
CDA, QAU agree to survey university land to identify encroachments
Detailed discussions were held on land-related and administrative issues concerning the university.
It was agreed that a survey of QAU land would be carried out to determine the extent of encroachments, following which legal action would be taken in accordance with statutory requirements.
Randhawa said the CDA was actively engaged in anti-encroachment operations across Islamabad and would play its full role in protecting the university’s land.
He also proposed strengthening institutional coordination through CDA representation in the university’s syndicate.
The CDA chairman further suggested launching an internship programme between the authority and QAU to benefit from the university’s human resource base, emphasising the need to strengthen linkages between educational institutions and public sector organisations.
Dr Akhtar welcomed the proposals and said collaboration between universities and industry could promote applied research, innovation and employment opportunities.
Both sides reiterated their commitment to enhancing cooperation on matters of mutual interest.

FCC reviews progress report in Arshad Sharif murder case

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):During the hearing of the murder case of senior anchorperson Arshad Sharif, the Federal Constitutional Court was informed that the government has submitted a detailed progress report regarding the investigation into his killing.
The case was heard on Wednesday by a three-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court. The court was told that the report contained complete details of the steps taken by the government so far, including matters related to the investigation conducted by the Joint Investigation Team (JIT). The report also outlines the future course of action in the case.
During the proceedings, the Additional Attorney General informed the court that the JIT was required only to visit Kenya to collect evidence. He stated that after reviewing the crime scene and gathering relevant evidence in Kenya, the investigation would be finalized. He added that the JIT’s report would be completed once the evidence collection process is concluded.
The court adjourned further hearing of the case until the winter judicial vacations are over, observing that the government had been directed during the previous hearing to submit a progress report, which has now been complied with.

FCCP issues notices in case on export of Indian and Israeli goods

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court Wednesday issued notices to the concerned parties in a case pertaining to the export of goods to India and Israel, and adjourned the hearing until January 13.
During the proceedings, counsel for the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), Hafiz Ehsan Khokhar, informed the court that the High Court’s order was contrary to the constitutional principle of separation of powers. He argued that it was not the role of the courts to alter government policies or interfere in economic matters.
The FBR’s counsel further submitted that the case involved issues related to foreign relations and national security, and that the High Court could not issue directions without first declaring the relevant Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO) unlawful.
It was noted that in 2019, the government had issued a notification imposing a ban on the export of goods to India and Israel. Several parties subsequently challenged the notification before the Lahore High Court. The Lahore High Court had directed the formation of a committee to review the ban.
The hearing was conducted by a two-member bench headed by Justice Aamer Farooq.

FCCP dismisses students’ appeals on overseas quota fees in medical colleges

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):The Federal Constitutional Court Wednesday dismissed petitions filed by students of medical colleges in Sindh who had sought permission to pay their fees in Pakistani currency after securing admission under the foreign/overseas quota.
Upholding the High Court’s judgment, the court rejected the students’ appeals. The case was heard by a three-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court headed by Chief Justice Aminuddin Khan.
During the hearing, counsel for the students, Shahab Sarki, argued that the students had been granted admission under the overseas quota by the universities themselves, despite the fact that the students had completed their entire education in Pakistan. He further contended that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) had displayed show-cause notices instead of properly serving them on the students, and that the universities had forcibly placed the students under the foreign quota.
The students’ counsel maintained that students should not be penalized for the mistakes of the universities and that they could only be adjusted in other universities.
On the other hand, PMDC’s counsel, Jahangir Jadun, informed the court that the students had themselves applied for admission under the overseas quota, adding that both the students and the universities were responsible for admissions under an incorrect quota.
The court was told that the students had obtained admission to medical colleges under the overseas quota in the academic year 2022–23 and, after paying fees in foreign currency for two years, approached the High Court seeking permission to pay their fees in local currency. However, the High Court had dismissed their writ petitions.
The Federal Constitutional Court declared the High Court’s decision to be valid and dismissed the appeals accordingly.

UNHCR delegation calls on Governor

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
QUETTA, Dec 17 (APP):A delegation led by UNHCR Deputy Representative in Pakistan Mr. Oscar Manuel Sanche called on Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel here at the Governor House on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the latest situation in the region, the dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan and the conditions of the host community, including the performance of United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in education and health, were discussed in detail.
The Head of UNHCR Sub-Office Tesfaye Beklele and Chief Commissioner for Afghan Refugees Arbab Talib Kasi were also present during the meeting.
Talking to the delegation, Governor Balochistan said that UNHCR undoubtedly has valuable services for the rehabilitation of refugees as well as for the development and prosperity of the host community.
He said that the current government is taking concrete steps to ensure the dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees.
The Governor said that Pakistan is playing an important role for peace in the region, we need the support of international organizations in providing basic facilities to Afghan refugees and their affected areas.
He said that the establishment of lasting peace in Afghanistan is in the interest of the entire region, especially Pakistan.
The UNHCR Deputy Representative thanked the Government of Pakistan and its people for their hospitality to Afghan refugees for the past four decades.

ICCI, Thai Embassy agree to fast-track trade, tourism and investment cooperation

By
Zaka Ullah Ch
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0
ISLAMABAD, Dec 17 (APP):A high-level delegation of the Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), led by its President Sardar Tahir Mehmood Wednesday visited the Royal Embassy of Thailand.
They held a fruitful and forward-looking meeting with Rongvudhi Virabutr, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Pakistan, said a press release.
The meeting focused on deepening bilateral economic relations, enhancing trade and investment cooperation, and exploring new avenues of partnership between Pakistan and Thailand.
During the discussions, both sides underscored the shared objective of increasing bilateral trade volume to $ 2 billion. Ambassador Virabutr noted that bilateral trade had already reached $1.6 billion last year, reflecting strong momentum and untapped potential.
He emphasized that the Pakistan–Thailand Free Trade Agreement (FTA) should be concluded “at the earliest” to unlock the next phase of growth and urged ICCI leadership to actively advocate for its early finalization.
The Thai Ambassador also highlighted the importance of developing the Gandhara tourism route to attract more Thai tourists to Pakistan, terming it a promising area for people-to-people connectivity and cultural exchange.
He further shared Thailand’s keen interest in expanding collaboration in high-value halal industries, leveraging Thailand’s global reputation for high-standard food production and quality assurance.
As the current Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, Ambassador Virabutr reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to strengthening ASEAN–Pakistan cooperation and supporting Pakistan’s aspirations for deeper engagement with the regional bloc.
He also emphasized Thailand’s strong push for electric vehicles (EVs) and proposed cooperation with Pakistan through the sharing of expertise, technology, and best practices to help develop Pakistan’s EV ecosystem.
Speaking on the occasion, ICCI President Sardar Tahir Mehmood showcased Pakistan’s vast export potential, particularly in pharmaceuticals, mines and minerals, pink salt, surgical instruments, and sports goods.
He stressed the need to explore new and non-traditional trade avenues to enhance Pakistan’s exports to Thailand, noting that the current trade balance favors Thailand.
He added that B2B meetings, delegation exchanges, and joint initiatives, in close collaboration with the Thai Embassy, would play a pivotal role in bringing business communities of both countries closer, leading to increased trade, investment, and joint ventures.
The ICCI President also extended a formal invitation to the Thai Ambassador to visit the ICCI  and interact directly with Islamabad’s business community, which is keen to further strengthen bilateral relations.
Ambassador Virabutr accepted the invitation and assured that he would visit ICCI at the earliest possible time.
Senior Vice President Tahir Ayub highlighted the immense scope for value addition in marble, gems, and jewelry, emphasizing joint ventures and enhanced industrial infrastructure as key drivers for boosting exports.
Vice President Mohammad Irfan Chaudhry and Chairman ICCI ASEAN Committee Chaudhry Mohammad Ali also shared valuable insights on practical measures to further strengthen trade, investment, and sectoral cooperation between Pakistan and Thailand.
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