Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Sunday that the government would distribute 500,000 Chromebooks to students across Pakistan over the next two years under the Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme.
The announcement was made during the scheme’s launch ceremony in Islamabad, where the prime minister highlighted the government’s responsibility to equip young people with modern technology and educational opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, PM Shehbaz said providing young people with access to modern devices was the state’s “collective responsibility”, enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to Pakistan’s progress.
“Our boys and girls […] are the true assets of Pakistan,” he said, adding that the Chromebooks would be distributed based on students’ hard work and abilities.
The prime minister expressed hope that the devices would help students attend classes remotely, pursue further education and improve their access to learning resources.
500,000 Chromebooks Planned Over Two Years
Recalling previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) governments’ laptop distribution programmes, PM Shehbaz said 600,000 laptops had been distributed over a decade. He added that the government now aimed to provide 500,000 Chromebooks to students within two years.
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“These wonderful instruments will be in your hands so that you are not lagging in intelligence and skills,” he said, emphasising that financial hardship should not prevent talented students from developing their abilities.
He said the devices would support students in continuing their education and improving their prospects of securing employment in the future.
Students of Religious Seminaries Also Eligible
PM Shehbaz clarified that students enrolled in religious seminaries would also be eligible for the Chromebook scheme, noting that previous laptop distribution programmes had included seminaries alongside universities and colleges.
“In the past, we had given laptops to the students of prominent seminaries along with universities and colleges,” he said.
The prime minister reiterated that the distribution of the 500,000 Chromebooks would be based on students’ ability, without limiting opportunities according to their educational background.
Prime Minister Emphasises Education as a Priority
Referring to the recent inauguration of a Daanish School in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz said education should remain a priority for every government.
“For the development of the nation’s children, all the resources should be provided,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of education in creating opportunities for young people from different backgrounds.
“Education is a jewel; regardless of where you are from, it will always make you distinguished in society,” the prime minister remarked.
The scheme is intended to expand students’ access to digital learning tools and support educational development across the country.
