LAHORE: In a major announcement, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif revealed plans to distribute 100,000 electric bikes to students throughout the province. Alongside this, the provincial government intends to establish specialized IT cities in multiple districts and inaugurate an artificial intelligence center in Lahore, aiming to boost technological advancement.
In a shift from previous schemes, Maryam Nawaz highlighted that starting next year, the government will initiate an annual distribution of 100,000 laptops along with an equal number of scholarships for talented students. She also introduced the Parwaz Card, a new initiative designed to empower skilled youth by supporting their career development.
The chief minister emphasized equitable development, noting that districts such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal will all receive focused attention under the government’s broader agenda. She reflected on past efforts, mentioning that earlier programs for scholarships and laptops could have reached more students if implemented more effectively.
Progress on housing projects was also discussed, with construction underway for 125,000 homes under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” initiative. Currently, 50,000 houses have been completed, while over 70,000 are in progress. Additionally, landless citizens will be granted three-marla plots under the “Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar” scheme.
During an event held in Lodhran at the Honhar Scholarship and Laptop Scheme distribution, Maryam Nawaz declared 2026 as the “Year of Youth.” She distributed laptops and scholarships to students from Multan and Bahawalpur, including 9,005 outstanding students—comprising 1,295 from government colleges, 6,655 from universities, and 1,055 from medical colleges.
The Punjab government previously announced the launch of the Punjab Laptop Scheme 2025, a pioneering project aimed at fostering digital literacy and academic excellence across public institutions. This initiative is expected to:
- Enable underprivileged students to access modern technology
- Enhance online learning, research, and virtual education
- Motivate students through technology-based incentives
Building on the success of distributing 14,000 laptops in Lahore alone, the new phase aims to extend these benefits across the entire province, reaffirming the government’s commitment to modernizing education and nurturing innovation.
The Punjab Laptop Scheme 2025 aligns with global trends toward digital education, equipping students with vital tools to compete in a technology-driven world. By promoting equal access and fostering critical skills, the program aims to shape a more educated, competitive, and innovative youth population.
