By Aftab Hussain
Shangla — Forty-five students of the University of Shangla were awarded laptops under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme as Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan and SAFRON, Engineer Amir Muqam, inaugurated a modern digital smart classroom at the institution, marking a step toward expanding technology-driven higher education.
Speaking at the ceremony, Amir Muqam said he was representing the Prime Minister and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping young people with modern education and advanced technology. He praised the efforts of Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, noting that the initiative had created opportunities in education, skills development, and employment.
Commitment to youth empowerment
The minister described youth as the country’s most valuable asset and stressed that guiding them in the right direction was essential for national progress. He assured that issues faced by the University of Shangla would be addressed on a priority basis and pledged to develop the institution into a model university.
Highlighting the Prime Minister’s economic policies, he said the federal government was taking steps for economic revival, reducing inflation, and creating jobs, with positive results already visible. He also paid tribute to the Pakistan Army and security forces, acknowledging their sacrifices for peace and praising the leadership of Syed Asim Munir.
Digital smart classroom inaugurated
At the inauguration of the smart classroom, Amir Muqam said providing digital facilities in universities was vital to meet modern-day requirements. He added that such classrooms would enhance teaching and research through technology and improve the quality of higher education.
Vice Chancellor Dr Sardar Khan thanked the minister, saying the facility would benefit both teachers and students by introducing modern teaching methodologies. The minister also visited various departments, inspected academic activities, and participated in a tree plantation ceremony, linking environmental protection with educational development.
Students welcome initiative
Students expressed appreciation for the laptop distribution, saying the devices would support their studies and encourage them to pursue education with greater motivation. Laptops were awarded to students securing first and second positions in their classes across departments including Computer Software Technology, English, Zoology, and BBA.
Recipients included BBA students Aamir Zaib, Zahid Iqbal, Waheedullah, Abdullah, Hanifullah, and Mian Mudassir Shah; BS Computer Science students Shamma Bano, Waliullah, Muhammad Waqas, Khaista Bacha, Muhammad Owais, Ziaullah, Javed Ali Shah, Muhammad Zaim Khan, Abid Hussain, Mujeebullah, Inamullah, Shakeel Ahmed, Maqsood Rehman, and Sardar Shah; BS English students Ashraf Khan, Nasir Jamal, Leela Khan, Ziafat Hussain, Syedullah, Abidullah, Naveedullah, Ashfaq Rehman, Insa Shah, Hanifullah, Syedart Al-Muntahar, Saddam Iqbal, Jalwa Shaheen, Saleem Saifullah, Rafiullah, and Samiullah; and BS Zoology students Ishtiaq Raza, Taj Badshah, Zeeshanullah, Naveed Ali, Fazlullah, Muqeem Khan, Farmanullah, and Waseemullah.
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