Government to distribute 100,000 laptops on merit to university students nationwide under Digital Pakistan drive.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched the Youth Laptop Scheme 2025 and announced the distribution of 100,000 laptops to students across Pakistan on a merit basis. The initiative, part of the government’s Digital Pakistan program, aims to equip young people with modern technology and bridge the digital divide in higher education.

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Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Islamabad, the prime minister said the laptops would be distributed strictly on academic merit and verified enrollment in public-sector universities recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

He emphasized that empowering youth through digital access was essential for building a “knowledge-driven economy.”

The scheme, which first began in 2011, faced a delay this year due to administrative issues over device branding. “The logo misunderstanding caused some delay, but our commitment to students remains firm,” Sharif said, adding that Pakistan would invest heavily in education technology to stay competitive.

Under the 2025 phase, eligible students from BS, MS, MPhil, and PhD programs at public-sector universities can apply through the official HEC online portal. Applicants must maintain at least a 2.8 CGPA or 60% marks and must not have received a laptop in previous phases.

Officials said the selection process includes verification by university focal persons and the publication of provisional merit lists before final distribution. Distribution is expected to begin from Islamabad and Rawalpindi in late October, followed by Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan in November and December.

The Higher Education Commission stated that the scheme would help promote online education, freelancing, and artificial intelligence learning among youth. It aligns with the government’s broader Digital Youth Hub initiative, which encourages innovation and skills development in science and technology.

During the ceremony, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted cooperation with Saudi Arabia on AI and digital education, noting that Pakistan’s students would soon gain access to advanced online training under Vision 2030. “The laptop era is evolving into the age of AI and big data,” he said. “Our youth must lead this transformation.”

The Youth Laptop Scheme 2025 reinforces the government’s strategy to enhance digital access, support freelancing, and promote equitable opportunities in higher education, ensuring Pakistan’s students are equipped for the technological economy ahead.