Govt to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks, MiFi devices to students in two years: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched the Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebooks Scheme to provide 500,000 Chromebooks to talented students across the country.

Addressing the launch ceremony in Islamabad, PM Shehbaz said the Chromebooks will be distributed purely on merit, in recognition of students’ hard work and academic abilities, without discrimination based on their economic background or educational institution.

The prime minister said a bag and MiFi device are also being provided along with the Chromebooks. He said the initiative will enable students to continue their education through digital learning, access e-libraries and explore opportunities for acquiring knowledge.

“The government is committed to ensuring equal educational opportunities for all talented students, including those studying in religious seminaries,” he said.

Recalling the distribution of 600,000 laptops during the previous ten years, he said the government aims to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks within just two years.

Shehbaz expressed gratitude to overseas Pakistani Rashid Minhas for supporting the initiative.

He said the government is also expanding the network of Daanish Schools to provide quality education, modern facilities and a conducive learning environment to deserving students without any financial burden.

On the occasion, the premier distributed Chromebooks and MiFi devices among the talented students.

Addressing the ceremony, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said the government is taking effective steps to align the country’s education system with changing global trends.

He emphasised that investment in education directly builds the economy and secures the nation’s future.

The minister noted that Pakistan’s youth population of one hundred and fifty million is not a liability but an invaluable asset that can be transformed into a major driver of national development.

Speaking on the occasion, Chairman Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan announced that along with Chromebooks, the government will provide high-speed internet connections to five hundred thousand students.

He highlighted that each connection will benefit up to five individuals, extending digital access to two point five million people across the country.

He reiterated that empowering and respecting the youth remains the core vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

In his address, Chairman Tokyo Technology Care Foundation Rashid Minhas informed that the foundation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government to facilitate students of schools and religious seminaries in expanding their digital reach.

He commended the government’s initiatives aimed at promoting education, skill development, and employment opportunities for the youth.