Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hands over a laptop to a student in Islamabad. Photo: Online
There are times in life when a dream seems too far away to touch, until one day faith turns it into a purpose. In 2011, I was a young student in college, balancing books and ambition, clinging to the quiet belief that one day I could serve my country beyond the four walls of a classroom.
The outside world seemed vast and my aspirations, perhaps too great for a girl of ordinary origin, sometimes seemed impossible.
However, one name kept me inspired: Shehbaz Sharif. His tireless dedication, his discipline, his commitment to turning promises into progress – it all spoke to something deep within me. I not only admired him as a leader; I saw in him the living example of what service, hard work and vision could achieve for Pakistan.
I often wondered what it would be like to meet him and tell him how his leadership had shaped my own sense of purpose. Little did I know at the time that fate was already writing that chapter, silently, powerfully, and in ways I could never have imagined.
One day, the senior management of PML-N called me and asked me a simple but life-changing question: “Write to us what services you can provide to the PML-N leaders.” I put my heart into that letter, expressing not only what I could do, but also why I believed in the vision and values of PML-N.
I wrote about my faith in hard work, merit, and service to people. To my surprise and gratitude, the leadership appreciated my sincerity and vision. I was invited to join the research and social media wing of PML-N, which marked the beginning of my political journey.
From that moment on I dedicated myself completely. I worked tirelessly, researching, writing and helping the team communicate the party’s message to young people. Those early days taught me discipline, teamwork, and the power of faith.
My efforts eventually earned me the honor of meeting Shehbaz Sharif, then Chief Minister, where I participated in discussions on youth empowerment and education reform. His leadership left a lasting impression on me and pushed me to work even harder for the causes I believed in.
Around this time, the Prime Minister’s Laptop Program was launched, a program that became very close to my heart. I had the opportunity to work on their documentaries and communication materials.
To my immense joy, I was among the top names in the merit list, second in the entire show, and featured in the first video, “Chhoo Lo Aasman”, which beautifully symbolized reaching for the sky. That project wasn’t just about distributing laptops; it was about empowering students to dream big and I was proud to be a part of it.
I still remember the day I received that laptop, it wasn’t just a piece of technology; It was a symbol of recognition, hope and confidence in the potential of Pakistan’s youth.
That laptop opened doors for me that I never would have imagined at the time: it helped me complete my academic research, stay connected, and develop the skills that would later become the foundation of my career in policymaking. It was through this scheme that I realized how profoundly a single opportunity can change a life.
Today, when I see other young students benefiting from the same initiative, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. It reminds me that empowerment begins with belief in oneself and the youth of a nation.
As someone who began his public journey with the PM Laptop Scheme and now helps shape it, I have seen first-hand how it has opened doors for Pakistan’s youth year after year: by giving meritorious students a personal computer, the scheme has turned libraries, hostels and village houses into digital classrooms; has enabled research writing, coding, independent work, and exam preparation without the barrier of shared labs or limited computer time; and has especially helped women and students from smaller cities to participate in the digital economy on an equal footing.
Independent evaluations and university surveys echo what I witnessed: recipients report better IT skills (from basic productivity to data tools) and better academic outcomes, validating that the device is a catalyst, not a token.
Institutionally, the program has continued in successive phases, most recently relaunched nationwide with another 100,000 laptops, to maintain access across cohorts and keep pace with current learning needs. In short, it’s not just about hardware; it is about dignity, mobility and merit, about giving a capable student the tools to learn, build and lead.
My journey from there was one of perseverance, faith and continuous learning. I then completed my master’s degree in Public Policy and then my PhD, delving into governance, policy formulation and social development. Each step strengthened my understanding of Pakistan’s challenges and renewed my determination to contribute meaningfully.
Today, as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, I look back with gratitude and pride. The same program that once gave me a laptop and a platform to learn is now the program I help oversee and expand.
Life has come full circle. I began as a student inspired by a visionary leader and today I am among those working to make that vision for the nation a reality.
My story is one of faith rewarded, of dreams cultivated through hard work and turning admiration into action.
I believe that when your intentions are sincere and your purpose is rooted in service, destiny itself opens doors that previously seemed out of reach.
(By Amna Batool, Member of the National Assembly (PML-N)
