SWAT: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON, as well as President of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Engineer Amir Muqam has said that the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme is a historic and visionary initiative aimed at empowering the youth.
He emphasised that the implementation of this program is entirely based on merit. The government’s commitment to women’s education remains a top priority, and the new modern women’s campus at Swat University will play a crucial role in providing quality educational facilities for female students.
He made these remarks during the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme Distribution Ceremony and the formal inauguration of the new women’s campus at the University of Swat on Tuesday. Engineer Amir Muqam officially inaugurated the new campus, which has a total cost of Rs 1.3 billion, as announced by former Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.
During the inauguration ceremony, Engineer Muqam reiterated that women’s education is a key priority for the government, and this modern campus will significantly enhance educational opportunities for female students. He highlighted that the completion of this project is a testament to Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif’s educational vision, which seeks to promote higher education across the country.
He also recalled that during Nawaz Sharif’s visit to Swat in 2016, approvals were granted for the Swabi and Shangla University campuses.
Expressing his satisfaction at returning to Swat for the second time to distribute laptops, Engineer Muqam acknowledged that this initiative was initially launched by former Chief Minister Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif and has since been successfully revived by Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif after 2018. To date, over one million students nationwide have received laptops through this project.
He noted that laptops serve not only as tools but also as a vision that connects the youth with modern education, research, and technology. He urged the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to foster a competitive environment in development and educational projects. The Federal Government is prepared to provide 50 per cent support for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s educational initiatives and will continue distributing laptops based on merit. He also emphasised the importance of providing opportunities for teachers to engage in higher education and research abroad.
In his address, Engineer Muqam acknowledged the sacrifices made against terrorism in Swat and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting that there was a time when visiting the region seemed impossible. However, peace was restored thanks to the tremendous sacrifices of the local people and security forces. He expressed confidence in the talent of the Pashtun youth, stating they can produce exceptional engineers, doctors, professionals, and leaders.
He called for an end to the misconception that they are not serious, asserting that Pakistan belongs to everyone and that the youth must step forward to lead the country. Engineer Muqam shared that listening to the students’ speeches was a refreshing experience. He stressed that the laptops represent not just technology but a vision for the bright future of the younger generation, who are not just there to chant slogans but embody the nation’s intellectual capital.
Reflecting on his experiences, he mentioned that he has faced grave challenges but remains steadfast on the path of truth. He reminded the audience that a nation’s success lies in its ability to remember its history and learn from it. He acknowledged the hardships endured by their people, including the pain of migration and displacement, and noted that a major global power had been repelled by their forces in the past.
The Federal Minister expressed pride in representing his province effectively and in serving the people. He believes that through sincere intention, anyone can achieve success. He said the need for an auditorium at the university, promising to advocate for it, along with the essential sports facilities, gyms, and other amenities that educational institutions require.
