NAROWAL: A young woman with a height of 2.8 feet has been awarded a laptop under the recently-resumed Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme in recognition of her academic achievements.

Momina Abbas, aged 20, completed her matriculationin her hometown of Nunar with 1,033 marks. “I have faced financial challenges in pursuing my education. With improved educational opportunities, I want to bring global recognition to Pakistan,” Momina from neighbourhood Fateh Ali Colony in Narowal said.

After matriculation, her family rented a residence in Narowal city to facilitate her education.

Momina did her FSc from the Government Post Graduate College for Women, Narowal, with 951 marks. She is currently pursuing a degree in BS Biotechnology at the University of Narowal. She received a shield for her prominent position in the FSc examinations and a laptop. She says she plans to complete her MPhil studies at the Punjab University Lahore, followed by a PhD programme in Canada.

Her elder sister, Sania Abbas, aged 25, also possesses a short stature of 36 inches. She holds a degree in BS engineering. She says that due to limited resources, Sania was unable to continue her education. Their younger brother, Samar Abbas, is pursuing a BSCS degree from Narowal University and has also received a laptop under the Prime Minister Laptop Scheme.

About her university experience, she says initially she garnered considerable attention from fellow students who would taunt her physical conditions. Despite facing such situations, she maintained her composure.

Expressing her aspirations, she said she wanted to enter the education sector in the future. Other than her studies, Momina has a penchant for reading novels and playing chess.

Published in Dawn, August 14th, 2023