Premier says economy pulled back from brink of default, now it’s time to boost growth and youth must lead this charge
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses laptop distribution ceremony in Haripur. PHOTO: PM Official/X
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government will send Pakistani students to Europe and China for training in artificial intelligence.
Addressing a laptop distribution ceremony at the University of Haripur on Wednesday, the prime minister emphasized that students from across Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), will be selected purely on merit.
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, PM Shehbaz 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.
“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.
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 PM Shehbaz 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 K-P, 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.
