I REFER to a Punjab government advertisement that appeared in the newspapers on April 16. The ad states: “In initial three phases, 310,000 laptops have been provided at a cost of Rs 20 billion.” The cost works out to be Rs64,516 per laptop.

In my opinion the Punjab government can set up a laptop industry/factory in Pakistan for Rs 20 billion. Thus every student and citizen can acquire cheap laptops at a maximum cost of Rs 5000.

The local production of laptops will not only help reduce its price, but also create jobs and promote this industry in the country.

Which is the better option, import or industry?

Suhail A. Khan

Lahore

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2017