Kotli : Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Ameer Muqam, distributed laptops among 385 male and female students of the University of Kotli under the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme.
Addressing the ceremony, the Federal Minister congratulated the students and urged them to make positive and productive use of the laptops in the service of the country and the nation. He said that laptops were being distributed directly to students on merit and with complete transparency, without any political discrimination. He regretted that the scheme remained suspended from 2018 to 2022, calling it an unfortunate decision that deprived students across the country.
Engineer Ameer Muqam said that today 385 laptops were being distributed at Kotli University, adding that the youth were the future of Pakistan. He praised the people of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, stating that they served as unpaid guardians of Pakistan’s frontiers and had always stood firm for the country’s defence. He expressed hope that students would move forward with a strong sense of Pakistani identity.
The Federal Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to quality education, stating that Danish Schools were providing free education on the standards of Aitchison College. He said Danish Schools had already been inaugurated in Bhimber and Bagh, while similar institutions would soon be established in Kotli and other areas. He announced that a Danish School would also be set up in Kotli on the direction of the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Condemning the terrorist attack on Army Public School, Peshawar, on December 16, 2014, he said the nation must remain united and resolute against terrorism. He paid tribute to the Pakistan Army, stating that under strong leadership it had defended the country with courage alongside the nation.
He further said that the new government in Azad Kashmir must remain connected with the people, as public engagement was the need of the hour. Referring to former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s remarks, he said that the rights of the people of Azad Kashmir should be fulfilled proactively, including their due share in the NFC Award. He expressed confidence that the journey of development would continue under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The ceremony was attended by former senior minister Malik Muhammad Nawaz, member Kashmir Council Muhammad Hanif Malik, District Councillor Sardar Umair Naeem, Focal Person Prime Minister Youth Programme Fateh Mahmood Kiyani, university officials, local political leaders, senior civil administration and police officers.
