Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, on Friday said that the youth, including male and female students, are Pakistan’s greatest and most valuable asset, urging them to set aside hatred on social media and move forward with a positive mindset for the country’s future.
He was addressing a ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Laptop Distribution Scheme Phase-IV at Punjab University. The event was attended by Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, Prime Minister’s Special Assistant Talha Barki, Minister for Public Affairs Rana Mubashir Iqbal, MNA Shaista Parvez Malik, Registrar Dr Ahmed Islam, President Academic Staff Association Prof Dr Amjad Abbas Khan Magsi, representatives of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), faculty members and students.
In his address, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar stressed the need for greater investment in skill-based and need-oriented education. He noted that despite advancements in the modern era, many children still lack resources, adding that the government is making efforts to ensure that no talented student is deprived of access to modern learning tools.
He said the laptop scheme, initiated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his tenure as Chief Minister Punjab, has now expanded across the country. He acknowledged that the scheme faced political criticism in the past but proved highly beneficial during the COVID-19 period, when students made effective use of laptops for their education.
Stressing respect for teachers, the federal minister said that no society can progress without valuing educators, adding that his own achievements were a result of his association with Punjab University. He called upon all segments of society to contribute to national development with hard work, dedication and honesty.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif launched the laptop scheme in line with contemporary needs and that it has produced positive outcomes, transforming students’ lives through constructive use of technology. He highlighted the importance of women’s advancement in all fields for Pakistan’s development and prosperity.
The vice chancellor further stated that around 80 percent of individuals in the country’s top judiciary, including Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, are alumni of Punjab University, while nearly 70 percent of Lahore’s IT market is served by graduates of the Punjab University College of Information Technology. He added that the university is taking steps to equip students with modern technological skills and is committed to providing a peaceful academic environment.
On behalf of the Punjab University community, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for the initiative. Under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Distribution Scheme Phase-IV, a total of 3,140 talented students of Punjab University will receive laptops.