Web desk: The Punjab Higher Education Department (HED) has proposed doubling the laptop quota for private-sector students as part of the provincial government’s ongoing review of the youth laptop scheme. The suggestion aims at supporting high-achieving students, officials confirmed this week.
Doubling Laptop Quota for Private Institutions
A proposal to increase the quota for private-sector students in the Punjab government’s laptop scheme has surfaced, with the Higher Education Department recommending that the allocation be doubled from 5,000 to 10,000.
Officials say the government is reviewing plans to expand the initiative under a new policy aimed at supporting high-achieving students.
If approved, the revision would allow more talented students from private colleges and universities to benefit from the scheme.
The laptop programme is designed to assist young people in digital learning and research, according to departmental sources.
The updated recommendations have been forwarded to the provincial government, and final approval is expected soon.
Under the proposal, laptops will be awarded to private-institution students strictly on merit.
PM launches 4th phase of Youth Laptop Scheme
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously launched the fourth phase of the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme 2025. He repeated his government’s firm commitment to investing in education, technology, and skill development for the country’s youth.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the prime minister called the launch a historic moment in Pakistan’s efforts toward youth empowerment.
He noted that the initiative continues the vision he introduced in 2010 as Punjab chief minister to promote education, fine arts, culture, sports, and information technology.
Despite challenges such as floods, he said, funding for youth development was never reduced because “education and empowerment remain our top priorities.”
PM Shehbaz added that Pakistan is among the few countries working on national-level policies for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and even exploring semiconductor manufacturing, stating that the country’s technological future is promising.
“The Almighty blessed me with the honour to serve the youth. This programme is not for personal glory, but for our young citizens who are the future architects of Pakistan,” the PM added.
