Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif distributes a laptop to a student in Islamabad. Photo: Online
There are moments in life when a dream feels too far away to touch – until one day, faith transforms it into purpose. In 2011, I was a young student in college, balancing books and ambitions and holding on to a quiet belief that one day I could serve my country beyond the four walls of a classroom.
The world outside felt huge and my aspirations, perhaps too high for a girl from an ordinary background, sometimes felt impossible.
Still, one name kept me inspired: Shehbaz Sharif. His tireless dedication, his discipline, his commitment to turning promises into progress—it all spoke to something deep within me. I admired him not only as a leader; I saw in him the living example of what service, hard work and vision could achieve for Pakistan.
I often wondered what it would feel like to meet him, to tell him how his leadership had shaped my own sense of purpose. Little did I know then that fate was already writing that chapter—quietly, powerfully, and in ways I could never have imagined.
One day, the senior leadership of the PML-N called me and asked me a simple but life-changing question: “Write for us what services you can render to the PML-N leadership.” I poured my heart into that letter and expressed not just what I could do but why I believed in the vision and values of PML-N.
I wrote about my belief in hard work, merit and service to the people. To my surprise and gratitude, management appreciated my sincerity and vision. They invited me to join PML-N’s social media and research wing, which marked the beginning of my political journey.
From that moment on, I dedicated myself completely. I worked tirelessly, researched, wrote and helped the team convey the party’s message to the young people. Those early days taught me discipline, teamwork and the power of faith.
My efforts eventually earned me the honor of meeting Shehbaz Sharif, then serving as Chief Minister, where I participated in discussions on youth empowerment and education reform. His leadership left a lasting impression on me and pushed me to work even harder for the causes I believed in.
Around that time, the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme was launched, a program that was very close to my heart. I had the opportunity to work with its documentaries and communication materials.
To my immense delight, I was among the top names on the merit list, number two in the entire program, and featured in the very first video, “Chhoo Lo Aasman,” which beautifully symbolized reaching for the sky. That project wasn’t just about distributing laptops; it was about empowering students to dream big, and I was proud to be a part of that.
I still remember the day I received the laptop, it wasn’t just a piece of technology; it was a symbol of recognition, hope and confidence in the potential of Pakistan’s youth.
The laptop opened doors for me that I could never have imagined at the time: it helped me complete my academic research, stay connected and develop the skills that would later become the foundation of my career in policymaking. It was through this plan that I realized how profoundly a single opportunity could change a life.
Today, when I see other young students benefiting from the same initiative, I feel a deep sense of gratitude and purpose. It reminds me that empowerment begins with belief in oneself and in the youth of a nation.
As someone who began his public journey with the PM Laptop Scheme and now helps shape it, I have seen firsthand how it has opened doors for Pakistan’s youth year after year: By providing meritorious students with a personal computer, the scheme has transformed libraries, hostels and village homes into digital classrooms; it has enabled research writing, coding, freelancing and exam preparation without the barrier of shared labs or limited computer time; and it has especially helped women and students from smaller towns to participate in the digital economy on an equal footing.
Independent evaluations and university studies reflect what I witnessed: recipients report sharper IT skills (from basic productivity to data tools) and better academic results, confirming that the device is a catalyst, not a symbol.
Institutionally, the program continues in successive phases, most recently relaunched nationally with an additional 100,000 laptops to maintain access across cohorts and keep pace with today’s learning needs. In short, this isn’t just about hardware; it’s about dignity, mobility, and merit, giving an accomplished student the tools to learn, build, and lead.
My journey from there was one of perseverance, faith and continuous learning. I went on to complete my MPhil in Public Policy and later my PhD delving deeper into governance, policy making and social development. Each step strengthened my understanding of Pakistan’s challenges and renewed my determination to contribute meaningfully.
Today, as a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, I look back with gratitude and pride. The very program that once gave me a laptop and a platform to learn is now the program I help oversee and expand.
Life has come full circle. I started as a student inspired by a visionary leader, and today I stand among those working to realize that vision for the nation.
My story is one of faith rewarded, of dreams nurtured through hard work, and of turning admiration into action.
I believe that when your intentions are sincere and your purpose is rooted in service, destiny will open even the doors that once seemed out of reach.
(By Amna Batool, Member National Assembly (PML-N)
