Prime Minister says economy has recovered from the brink of default, now is the time to boost growth and young people must lead this charge
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif delivers a speech at the laptop distribution ceremony in Haripur. PHOTO: Official PM/X
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that the government will send Pakistani students to Europe and China to train in artificial intelligence.
Addressing a laptop distribution ceremony at Haripur University on Wednesday, the Prime Minister emphasized that students from across Pakistan, including Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (KP), will be selected solely on their merits.
The Prime Minister inaugurated the much-awaited Prime Minister’s Laptop Program at a ceremony held at Haripur University, attended by government officials, youth leaders and several beneficiaries, all of whom expressed their gratitude for the program that has already impacted over a million students across the country.
The event featured a special documentary showcasing the success of the Laptop Scheme since its inception in 2013. It highlighted the ambitious vision 2025 for the country’s youth and the continued strides made under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to ensure their empowerment through education and technology.
In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz shared his long-held vision of empowering the youth of Pakistan, emphasizing the importance of providing them with opportunities based on their capabilities to gain global recognition.
“Be it the laptops or the 1,000 students trained in agriculture, or even the 600 students I sent to China during my tenure as Punjab chief minister, I firmly believe that Pakistan’s development does not depend on a 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 to develop skills. He touched on the importance of modern skills in sectors such as IT, agriculture and mining, and emphasized the need to close the gap between youth capabilities and industry demands.
“We have brought the economy back from the brink of default and now is the time to drive growth. This will require modern skills, and our youth must lead this change,” he said. He also announced plans to send delegations from all provinces to China for training in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies to meet the nation’s needs.
Responding to local demands, Chief Minister 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 calls for a women’s campus at Haripur University, pledging its speedy establishment.
“I respect and recognize the culture of KP and promise that this women’s campus will be built to honor the students and their aspirations,” she said. The prime minister also promised the construction of the Haripur Bridge, aimed at connecting educational institutions and promoting better access to resources.
The prime minister concluded his speech with a message of unity and national pride. He urged the youth to take inspiration from the teachings of Allama Iqbal, who envisioned a Pakistan where the youth would face 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 take this country to unprecedented heights,” he said.
