KHAIRPUR: Highlig­hting the transformative power of technology, Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, describing the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme as a cornerstone of the national progress.

Addressing a prestigious laptop distribution ceremony at Shah Abdul Latif University (Salu), Khairpur, Governor Hashmi told an audience of students and academics that the devices were more than mere hardware. “These laptops are not just machines; they are gateways to knowledge, innovation, and self-reliance,” he stated, urging the youth to prepare for the complexities of the 21st century.

Looking ahead to the 100th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence in 2047, the governor called on the students to view themselves as the future architects of the nation. He remarked that the next generation of vice-chancellors, inspectors general and political leaders would emerge from the very halls of Salu.

Drawing on the country’s historical strength, he noted that while Zulfikar Ali Bhutto laid the foundation for Pakistan’s nuclear programme, it was Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif who made the nation “invincible” through nuclear testing. He assured the gathering that Pakistan’s current defence capabilities remain robust and ready to meet any challenge.

Distributes free laptops, terms gifts ‘gateways to knowledge’

The ceremony, jointly organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad and Salu, also featured an address by HEC Chairman Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar. He shared impressive data regarding Pakistan’s digital footprint, revealing that the nation’s youth —particularly those from Sindh — have propelled the country to a fourth-place global ranking in e-commerce.

Dr Akhtar also highlighted a surge in academic investment, noting that over 100 new research projects have been approved this year, more than doubling the 49 projects sanctioned in the previous year.

‘4Es’ framework

Dr Fahad Shafique, the Sindh coordinator for the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, briefed attendees on the “4Es” framework underpinning the initiative: Education, Employment, Entre­prene­urship, En­ga­ge­­ment and Environment. He noted that the programme now offers specialised training in over 200 fields, ranging from digital marketing to vocational trades and agriculture.

Salu’s academic excellence

Highlighting the university’s burgeoning international prestige, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Yousuf Khushk noted that its scientists are now ranked among the top 2per cent globally, a feat complemented by the publication of 590 research papers in a single year. The institution’s commitment to modern infrastructure is reflected in the distribution of over 1,100 laptops across 28 departments to date, while its global footprint continues to expand through the Archaeology Department’s collaborations with 11 countries and the significant international contributions made by the Date Palm Research Institute.

The governor concluded by impressing upon the students the importance of respecting their mentors and parents, urging them to utilise their education as a tool for national service and equitable growth.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2026