PESHAWAR: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam, said that the laptop scheme is not merely the distribution of digital devices but an investment in the future of the youth.
He stated that in today’s world, nations compete not based on the size of their population, but on the intellectual capacity, creative thinking and technical skills of their workforce.
He expressed these views while addressing, as the chief guest, the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme distribution ceremony held on Wednesday at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar.
Federal Minister Engr Amir Muqam said that it was a moment of immense joy, pride and emotion for him to be present as the chief guest at his alma mater, the University of Engineering and Technology Peshawar. He said this was the institution where he obtained his engineering education, where his dreams found direction, and from where he began his professional journey. Distributing laptops among talented students at the same university today, he added, was both an honor and a matter of pride for him.
The Federal Minister said that engineering is the backbone of any country’s development, stability, and prosperity. From roads to dams, from industries to information technology, and from energy to defence, engineers play a fundamental and pivotal role in every sector. A strong economy, he noted, is built on robust infrastructure and modern technology, and this responsibility rests on the shoulders of engineers.
He further said that this is the era of digital technology, and the nations leading the race of development are those investing in scientific and technical education. As an engineer, he said, he has always raised his voice for the issues and rights of engineers. Whether on the floor of the Assembly, in cabinet meetings, or at any other forum, he has played his role in safeguarding engineers’ employment opportunities, professional dignity, and legitimate rights, and, God willing, will continue to do so, because an engineer’s hard work and capability can change the destiny of the country.
He said that the distribution of 950 laptops at today’s ceremony is an important step. The laptop scheme, he reiterated, is not merely the distribution of digital devices but a strategic state investment in the future of the youth. This initiative provides students with direct access to global online courses, international research libraries, and modern technical skills — the very skills that form the foundation of success in today’s knowledge- based economy.
He added that in today’s world, nations compete not merely through numbers but through intellectual strength, creativity, and technical expertise. Countries that invest in human capital, research, innovation, and technology promptly lead global progress. To put Pakistan on this path, timely and visionary steps have been taken.
The Federal Minister said that among key measures taken in emerging technological fields, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence was established in 2017, at a time when artificial intelligence was not yet a common topic in Pakistan. Today, it stands as a major pillar of AI research in the country. To ensure digital sovereignty and safeguard national security, the National Centre for Cyber Security was established to effectively counter cyber threats. The National Centre for Big Data and Cloud Computing was created to enhance modern data analytics capabilities. Several engineering universities were linked with the national innovation network to connect research with industry and bring laboratory-level research to the market.
In the same spirit, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was advanced as a strategic driver of economic growth, opening new avenues in infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors. To provide opportunities to young and fresh engineers in the practical field, a historic step was taken by making 10,000 internships mandatory in PSDP projects. Under this program, each engineer will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000 during a one-year internship, similar to the remuneration given to doctors during house jobs. The objective of this initiative is to provide young engineers with dignified employment opportunities and practical experience so that they can play an effective role in industry and national projects. This important program will be formally launched in March under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He said that all these measures clearly demonstrate that the government is providing practical opportunities to the youth, not just promises. The government’s goal, he added, is to ensure that Pakistan’s youth do not remain job seekers but become builders of the economy through technology, research, and innovation. This vision, he said, guarantees a strong, sovereign, and developed Pakistan.
He expressed satisfaction that students not only from UET Peshawar but also from UET Bannu, UET Nowshera, and UET Abbottabad participated in the ceremony. This, he said, reflects efforts to ensure equal educational development and opportunities across the entire province.
The Federal Minister said that youth education, skills development, and access to technology are top priorities. The aim is not just for young people to obtain degrees but to innovate, create employment, and bring Pakistan among the ranks of developed nations.
Addressing the students, Engineer Amir Muqam said they are fortunate to be associated with a prestigious and capable field like engineering. He advised them to adopt hard work, integrity, and dedication as their guiding principles, benefit from the guidance of their teachers, and utilise their abilities in the service of the country and nation.
He paid tribute to his alma mater for enriching him and thousands of other students with knowledge, awareness, and character. Standing there and distributing laptops, he said, he truly felt proud to have been a student of the same institution.
Earlier, upon his arrival at the university campus, the Vice Chancellor, faculty members, and administration of UET Peshawar warmly received the Federal Minister. He was given a briefing about the university, and discussions were held regarding various issues. The Federal Minister appreciated the university’s role and assured full cooperation in resolving its challenges.
Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam also praised the efforts, dedication, and tireless work of UET Vice Chancellor Dr Sadiq Khattak and assured his full support at every forum for the promotion and development of the university.
In his welcome address, UET Vice Chancellor Dr Sadiq Khattak appreciated the efforts of Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam for the engineering community. He thanked the Federal Minister for visiting the university and for distributing laptops among the students.
