Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the PM Laptop Scheme 2025 on Thursday, marking the launch of the initiative’s fourth phase aimed at empowering students through digital access and innovation. The ceremony, held in Islamabad, drew participation from government officials, education leaders and students from across the country.
Building on Past Success
The fourth phase of the PM laptop scheme 2025 continues a legacy that began under Shehbaz Sharif’s previous tenures. The first three phases, launched between 2013 and 2018 under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, distributed more than 500,000 laptops to university and college students across Pakistan.
Officials said the initiative not only bridged the digital divide but also encouraged students to pursue online learning, freelancing and research opportunities. Many of those beneficiaries went on to contribute to Pakistan’s growing IT and startup ecosystem.
Maryam Nawaz Expands Youth-Focused Programs
More recently, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has introduced complementary youth programs, including new laptop distribution and scholarship schemes under the Punjab Education Endowment Fund (PEEF). These initiatives, moreover, aim to provide laptops and financial assistance to high-achieving students from low-income families, thereby helping them gain access to digital tools and higher education.
Furthermore, officials said the combined efforts of federal and provincial programs reflect a coordinated approach to youth empowerment and digital inclusion.
Digital Tools for a Modern Workforce
Speaking at the launch, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the scheme underscores the government’s commitment to equipping Pakistan’s youth with modern technology to compete globally. “In today’s knowledge economy, access to technology is not a luxury it is a necessity,” he remarked.
He added that the laptops will help students enhance their research capabilities, engage in online education and explore new income opportunities through remote work.
A Vision for the Future
The Prime Minister also announced that the government plans to integrate the laptop scheme with broader Digital Pakistan initiatives, ensuring improved internet access, digital literacy training and skill development for students in remote areas.
As Pakistan’s economy increasingly depends on technology-driven growth, the youth laptop and scholarship schemes represent a strategic investment in the country’s future workforce. With both federal and provincial programs expanding, officials hope to reach hundreds of thousands of students by 2025, bridging the gap between education and employment through digital empowerment.
