President Asif Ali Zardari has called for building "technology highways" in the country by enhancing students' access to IT infrastructure, strengthening educational programmes, and equipping them with modern skills.

He was talking to Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, who called on him in the federal capital today.

The President said providing laptops to students would increase their access to education, bridge the digital divide, and equip them with technology skills to help them compete in the national and international job markets.

Asif Ali Zardari urged the need to further improve the quality of education, besides focusing on the character-building of students. He said top position holders of the Quaid-i-Azam University should be given Presidential Awards with cash to encourage students in their studies.

He appreciated university's role in Pakistan's academic sector and assured the Vice Chancellor of his support in getting the financial issues of this esteemed institution addressed by taking it up at the appropriate forum.

The Vice Chancellor briefed the President about the role of Quaid-i-Azam University in providing quality education, its educational programmes, and other administrative affairs.