ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on 25 October 2026 formally launched a nationwide initiative to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks, equipped with MiFi internet connectivity, to deserving students and high achievers based strictly on merit. The Chromebook Scheme for students aims to equip the nation’s youth with modern education and technology, which the Prime Minister identified as a core government responsibility and a critical pillar for building a prosperous Pakistan.

Key Points

• The initiative will distribute 500,000 Chromebooks to deserving students and high achievers nationwide over the next two years.
• Laptops are provided based solely on merit to students from diverse backgrounds, including mainstream schools and religious seminaries.
• The program includes MiFi internet connectivity, with benefits expected to reach an estimated 2.5 million family members.
• The government is collaborating with Tokyo Technology and the Care Foundation to facilitate this digital empowerment project.

Empowering Youth Through Technology

Addressing the launching ceremony, the Prime Minister highlighted the inclusivity of the program, noting that students from both mainstream schools and madaris are eligible. He emphasized that poverty should not be a barrier to higher education, reflecting a commitment to youth empowerment through digital tools. By providing access to e-libraries and modern curricula, the government seeks to ensure that students can compete effectively in the global marketplace.

During the event, the Prime Minister recalled that the previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, under the leadership of Nawaz Sharif, had successfully distributed 600,000 laptops over the past decade. He also detailed the expansion of national educational infrastructure, referencing the recent inauguration of a Daanish School in Islamabad and the ongoing construction of 27 additional campuses across the country.

Collaborative Efforts for Digital Transformation

Federal Minister for Federal Education Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui underscored the government’s efforts to elevate the country’s global standing by adapting to evolving educational trends. He noted that transforming the nation’s 150 million youth into a productive national asset is essential for sustainable progress. Tokyo Technology Care Foundation (TTC) Chairman Rashid Minhas added that the partnership aims to move students beyond mere consumption, empowering them to become creators in the digital sphere.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Chairman, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, praised the vision for recognizing talent with support from the overseas diaspora. He noted that renewed international confidence in Pakistan provides a vital opportunity for the youth to excel in innovation. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic distribution of Chromebooks to students, including high achievers Syed Shams Raza and Alma Mahak Sabir, who were recognized for their dedication and resilience in the face of adversity. This digital modernization effort marks a significant milestone in the country’s push toward a technology-driven future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Chromebook distribution program?

The Chromebooks are provided to deserving students and high achievers based strictly on merit, including those from mainstream schools and madaris.

How many people are expected to benefit from the initiative?

While 500,000 students will receive the devices, the inclusion of MiFi internet connectivity is projected to extend benefits to an estimated 2.5 million family members.