The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman, Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, issued a clear directive on Friday urging all eligible applicants to promptly collect their laptops from their respective universities as part of the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme. This announcement comes as the distribution phase of the scheme gains full momentum across Pakistan’s higher education institutions.
In a statement shared on the social media platform X, the HEC Chairman emphasized that the laptops have already been delivered to universities nationwide. He encouraged students to visit their university campuses, complete the necessary documentation with the designated focal persons, and receive their laptops without delay. This step is crucial to ensure the smooth and timely delivery of devices to deserving students.
The initiative was originally unveiled by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in August 2025, with the ambitious goal of providing 100,000 laptops free of cost to academically talented students across the country. The scheme is designed to promote digital literacy and support higher education by equipping students with modern technology. The laptops have been allocated to students from all four provinces—Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan—as well as the federal capital Islamabad, Gilgit-Baltistan, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
During the official launch ceremony held on August 13, 2025, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of maintaining transparency throughout the distribution process. He assured that the selection of laptop recipients would be strictly merit-based, with no room for favoritism or nepotism. This pledge aims to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all deserving students, reinforcing the government’s commitment to meritocracy in educational support programs.
the government’s eligibility criteria, students must be enrolled in recognized public higher education institutions to qualify for the scheme. This includes individuals currently pursuing degrees at the PhD, MS/MPhil, Master’s, or Bachelor’s levels. To meet the academic requirements, students need to have a minimum CGPA of 2.80 or at least 60% marks. For first-year university students, submission of their intermediate (HSSC) examination results is mandatory. Similarly, MS and PhD candidates in their initial semester must provide results from their previous academic degrees.
The distribution process also incorporates a quota system to ensure equitable access across different regions and modes of study. Notably, 18% of the laptops are reserved for students enrolled in higher education institutions in Balochistan, reflecting the government’s focus on supporting underrepresented areas. Additionally, 5% of the laptops are allocated to students pursuing distance learning programs, recognizing the growing importance of flexible education formats.
Students interested in benefiting from this opportunity can register through multiple channels. They may use the Prime Minister’s Digital Youth Hub (DYH) mobile application or visit the official PM Youth Programme website at www.pmyp.gov.pk. These platforms provide detailed information on eligibility, application procedures, and the status of laptop distribution, making it easier for students to stay informed and complete their applications efficiently.
As the distribution continues, authorities are closely monitoring the process to address any challenges and ensure that the laptops reach the intended recipients promptly. This initiative is expected to play a significant role in enhancing educational outcomes by providing students with the necessary tools to engage in digital learning and research activities.
