PESHAWAR
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, said here Wednesday that the PM laptop scheme is not just the distribution of digital devices, but a strategic investment by the Government in the future of young people.
“In today’s world, nations compete not merely based on the size of their workforce, but on the intellectual capacity, creative thinking, and technical skills of their human capital,” he expressed these views on Wednesday while addressing, as the chief guest, the ceremony for the distribution of laptops under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar, Hayatabad Campus.
Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam said that it was a moment of immense joy, pride, and emotion for him to be present as chief guest at his alma mater, UET Peshawar.
It is the institution from where he earned his engineering degree, where his dreams took shape, and from where he began his professional journey. Distributing laptops among talented students at the same university today is both an honor and a matter of pride for him.
The Federal Minister said that engineering is the backbone of any country’s development, stability, and prosperity. From roads to dams, from industries to information technology, and from energy to defense, engineers play a fundamental and key role in every sector.
He said strong economy is built upon robust infrastructure and modern technology, and this responsibility rests on the shoulders of engineers.
He added that this is the era of digital technology, and nations that invest in scientific and technical education are leading the race for development.
As an engineer, he has always raised his voice for the issues and rights of engineers whether on the floor of the assembly, in cabinet meetings, or at other forums.
He has played his role in protecting engineers’ employment opportunities, professional dignity, and legitimate rights, and will continue to do so, because he believes that the hard work and capability of an engineer can change the destiny of a nation.
He said that the distribution of 950 laptops at this ceremony is an important step. This initiative provides students with direct access to global online courses, international research libraries, and modern technical skills that are the foundation of success in today’s knowledge-based economy.
He emphasized that in today’s world, nations compete not merely by the size of their workforce, but by their intellectual capacity, creativity, and technical expertise. Countries that invest timely in human capital, research, innovation, and technology lead global development. To put Pakistan on this path, timely and far-sighted measures have been taken.
The Federal Minister highlighted that in 2017, the National Center for Artificial Intelligence was established at a time when AI was not yet a common topic in Pakistan.
Today, it stands as a key pillar of AI research in the country. For digital sovereignty and national security, the National Center for Cyber Security was established to effectively address cyber threats. To promote advanced data analytics capabilities, the National Center for Big Data and Cloud Computing was created.
Several engineering universities were connected to the national innovation network to link research with industry and bring laboratory-level research to the market. In continuation of this vision, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was advanced as a strategic driver of economic development, opening new avenues in infrastructure, energy, and industrial sectors.
To provide practical opportunities to young and fresh engineers, a historic step has been taken to make 10,000 internships mandatory in PSDP projects. Under this one-year internship program, each engineer will receive a monthly stipend of 50,000 rupees, similar to the compensation given to doctors during their house jobs.
The purpose of this initiative is to provide young engineers with dignified employment opportunities and practical experience so they can effectively contribute to industry and national projects.
This important program will be formally launched in March under the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, led by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. All these measures are clear evidence that the government is not merely making promises to youth but providing practical opportunities.
The Federal Minister said that the goal is for Pakistan’s youth not to remain job seekers only, but to become builders of the economy through technology, research, and innovation. This vision guarantees a strong, sovereign, and developed Pakistan.
He expressed happiness that students not only from UET Peshawar, but also from UET Bannu, UET Nowshera, and UET Abbottabad participated in the program.
This reflects efforts to ensure equal educational development and opportunities across the province.
He said that education, skills, and access to technology for youth are top priorities. The aim is for young people not only to earn degrees but to innovate, create jobs, and bring Pakistan into the ranks of developed nations.
Engineer Amir Muqam advised students that they are fortunate to be associated with a prestigious and capable field like engineering. They should adopt hard work, integrity, and dedication as their guiding principles, benefit from the guidance of their teachers, and utilize their abilities in service of the country and nation.
He paid tribute to his alma mater for enriching thousands of students like him with knowledge, awareness, and character. Standing there and distributing laptops, he truly felt proud to have once been a student of the same institution.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, faculty members, and administration of UET Peshawar warmly welcomed Federal Minister Engineer Amir Muqam upon his arrival at the university campus. The minister was briefed about the university and its issues were discussed. He appreciated the university’s role and assured full cooperation in resolving its problems.
