Lahore: (Friday, January 2): Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, said that the youth, including male and female students, are Pakistan’s greatest and most valuable asset. He urged them to set aside hatred on social media and focus on thinking positively about Pakistan. He was addressing a ceremony of the Prime Minister’s Laptop Distribution Scheme Phase-IV at Punjab University here on Friday. On this occasion, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, PM’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 HEC, faculty members, and students were present. In his address, Azam Nazeer Tarar said that greater investment is needed to promote skill-based and need-oriented education. He said that even in the modern era there are many children who lack resources, but the government is striving to ensure that no talented student is deprived of these gadgets. He added that the scheme initiated by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif during his tenure as Chief Minister has now expanded across the entire country. He said that the scheme faced significant political point-scoring and criticism, but during the COVID period many students benefited by making proper use of laptops. He emphasized that a society cannot progress without respecting teachers, adding that whatever position he has achieved today is due to PU. He said that for the country’s development and prosperity, everyone must play their role with hard work, dedication, and honesty. Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif launched the scheme in line with the needs of the time, and it has yielded positive results, with the constructive use of laptops transforming students’ lives. He said that women’s advancement in every field is vital for Pakistan’s development and prosperity. He added that 80 percent of individuals in the top judiciary, including Azam Nazeer Tarar, are alumni of Punjab University. He further stated that 70 percent of Lahore’s IT market is served by graduates of the Punjab University College of Information Technology. He said that the university is taking steps to familiarize its students with modern technology and that providing a peaceful environment to students is a top priority. On behalf of the Punjab University community, he thanked Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Under this scheme, 3,140 talented students of Punjab University will receive laptops.