RAWALPINDI: Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi on Thursday said the government believed in result-oriented initiatives that empower the youth, adding that the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme strengthens digital literacy and promotes quality education.
He was speaking at a laptop distribution ceremony held under the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi (PMAS-AAUR).
The event was organised by the Directorate of Financial Assistance and University Advancement of the university. Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi was the chief guest, while Vice Chancellor PMAS-AAUR, faculty members and students were also present. Deans, directors and a large number of students attended the event, creating an atmosphere of celebration and motivation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Abbasi emphasised that Digital Pakistan was the government’s vision and performance its commitment. He said the government believed in result-oriented initiatives that empowered the youth and led Pakistan towards sustainable development.
He highlighted that the government was giving special attention to the education sector, acknowledging it as the foundation of national progress. He said it was the collective responsibility of society to support students in acquiring quality education and achieving excellence.
The minister further elaborated that the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme was a hallmark of transparency and meritocracy, adding that every deserving student who fulfilled the eligibility criteria received a laptop purely on merit.
“This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide, promote e-learning and equip talented youth with modern technological tools to strengthen research, innovation and productivity in higher education institutions,” he said.
Congratulating the students who received laptops, Mr Abbasi encouraged them to work hard, stay focused and continue striving for academic excellence. He urged the youth to respect their teachers, noting that their guidance and prayers played a vital role in shaping successful futures.
PMAS-AAUR Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Qamaruz Zaman congratulated all the students who qualified to receive laptops and appreciated the government for initiating and sustaining such a visionary programme.
He said the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme was a highly beneficial initiative that supported students, strengthened digital literacy and promoted quality education. In today’s digital era, he said, a laptop was not a luxury but a necessity for effective learning, research and academic excellence. He praised the government’s commitment to youth empowerment through education and technology.
Highlighting the university’s achievements, the vice chancellor said that since the inception of the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme, more than 15,000 students of PMAS-AAUR had benefited from the programme. He added that 450 laptops were being distributed among students on the day.
These laptops, he said, had greatly enhanced the academic and research capabilities of students, enabling them to contribute more effectively to national development.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of laptops among students.
Published in Dawn, January 30th, 2026
