ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the fourth phase of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2025, emphasizing his government’s unwavering commitment to empowering the country’s youth through education, technology, and skill development.
The ceremony, held in Islamabad, was attended by Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, senior officials, students, and beneficiaries of previous laptop initiatives.
Calling it a “historic day in Pakistan’s journey towards youth empowerment,” the prime minister said the laptop scheme was part of his long-standing vision to promote education, technology, fine arts, culture, and sports — a vision that began when he served as Punjab chief minister in 2010.
He noted that even during national crises such as devastating floods, his government never reduced the youth development budget. “Education and empowerment have always remained our top priorities,” he said.
Highlighting Pakistan’s progress in technology, PM Shehbaz said the country had joined the ranks of developing nations creating policies on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and had now embarked on initiatives to develop semiconductor manufacturing. “Pakistan’s technological future is bright,” he added.
The premier said the scheme was not for political gain but for the young generation who are “the architects of tomorrow.” The new slogan, “Youth of Pakistan: Making Pakistan Great,” he said, represents the nation’s belief in merit, innovation, and pride.
He noted that more than 100,000 laptops have been distributed purely on merit since 2011, involving an investment of Rs 40–50 billion. The government, he announced, has now allocated Rs 500 billion for youth education, skills, and empowerment — an investment he described as “a down payment on Pakistan’s future.”
PM Shehbaz also revealed that Pakistan is partnering with Saudi Arabia to provide advanced training in AI, information technology, and modern trades to equip young Pakistanis with skills to compete globally.
