Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the fourth phase of the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme 2025, reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to investing in education, technology, and skills development for the country’s youth.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony, he said the occasion marked a historic day in Pakistan’s journey of youth empowerment. Emphasizing that the 2025 scheme was a continuation of a scheme launched by the Punjab government in 2010, he said it aimed to promote education, fine arts, culture, sports, and information technology. Even during natural disasters such as floods, he said, no funds were cut from youth development, as “education and empowerment are our top priorities.”
According to the prime minister, Pakistan is one of a few countries formulating policies for Artificial Intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing. He maintained the country has a bright technological future. “The Almighty blessed me with the honor to serve the youth. This program is not for personal glory, but for our young citizens who are the future architects of Pakistan,” he said.
Since 2011, said Sharif, over 100,000 laptops have been distributed purely on merit, with a total investment of Rs. 40-50 billion. He said Rs. 500 billion had been allocated for youth education, skills, and empowerment, calling it an “investment in the nation’s destiny.”
Sharif said the government is collaborating with Saudi Arabia to provide advanced training in A.I., information technology, and modern trades. “Saudi Arabia is building its future and hosting the 2030 International Exhibition and the FIFA World Cup 2034. They need millions of skilled workers, and Pakistan’s youth will be their partners in progress,” he said, expressing gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for extending an economic package and offering training opportunities for Pakistani youth.