Nabeel Jamal
Karachi: Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) on Monday distributed 460 laptops among high-achieving students under the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme, in a ceremony focused on promoting academic excellence and strengthening research culture.
The distribution process was supervised by Vice Chancellor Prof Nazli Hossain, while the university’s focal person for the scheme, Prof Naseem Ahmed Sheikh, oversaw administrative arrangements.
Merit-Based Digital Access
Faculty members and senior officials, including Principal of Dow Medical College Prof Saba Sohail and Registrar Dr Ashar Afaq, attended the ceremony.
Addressing the gathering, Prof Hossain said the initiative offered students a valuable opportunity to enhance their intellectual and creative capabilities.
“A laptop is merely a device; its positive and productive use enables students to strengthen their research and academic performance,” she said, adding that laptops serve as a more effective tool for educational engagement compared to excessive reliance on smartphones.
She noted that the scheme supports students in meeting the technological demands of the 21st century and ensures transparency through a strictly merit-based distribution process.
Encouraging Research and Community Service
Prof Naseem Ahmed Sheikh said the government’s initiative reflected confidence in the country’s youth and would help shape students’ professional careers.
He added that access to digital tools would encourage greater participation in research and community service initiatives.
Registrar Dr Ashar Afaq expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, the Higher Education Commission Pakistan (HEC), and the Government of Sindh for their support in implementing the scheme.
Students from various colleges, institutes and affiliated institutions of DUHS received laptops strictly on merit during the ceremony.
