By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, relaunched the laptop scheme after eight years, gifting state-of-the-art 13th Generation Core i7 laptops to deserving students in the first phase of the program.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the historic University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, where CM Maryam Nawaz personally distributed laptops and scholarships, leaving the presidential seat to sit among the students in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with the youth.
Addressing a jubilant crowd, the Chief Minister said, “When the youth of Pakistan are singing ‘May we continue to progress step by step,’ then InshaAllah, this land will remain prosperous forever.” She also sang along with students, joining in a national song and embracing the spirit of unity and progress.
The first phase of the scheme includes the distribution of laptops to 14,000 students across 13 government universities, six medical colleges, and 27 higher education institutions in the Lahore Division. Additionally, 3,121 students from 27 government colleges, six medical colleges, and universities in Lahore Division were awarded scholarships worth over Rs. 120 million under Honhar Scholarship Phase II.
Extending the initiative beyond Punjab, CM Maryam Nawaz launched a special provision for 5,000 students from other provinces and regions, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.<s An e-portal has been activated for students from these areas to apply for the scheme. According to the distribution plan:
• 3,136 students from KP
• 938 from Balochistan
• 517 from AJK
• 410 from Gilgit-Baltistan
will receive laptops.
In a heartwarming gesture, UET students presented portraits of CM Maryam Nawaz and the late Ms. Kulsoom Nawaz. The ceremony concluded with the Chief Minister mingling freely with students, taking selfies, and encouraging them to work with dedication, honesty, and determination for a bright future.
The relaunch of the laptop scheme reflects the Punjab Government’s renewed focus on empowering youth through technology and education, bridging the digital divide and strengthening the knowledge economy of Pakistan.
