Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday launched a programme in Islamabad that will provide 500,000 Chromebooks and internet facilities to gifted students from schools and religious seminaries across Pakistan. The rollout is set to run over the next two years.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Sharif described the initiative as the start of a longer effort to strengthen the country’s talented young people. He said it aims to give them modern technology and skills so they can compete on the international stage. Stressing that devices would be handed out strictly on merit and ability, he said, “Talented sons and daughters are Pakistan’s real asset.”
Chromebook package and the benefits for students
Each package includes a schoolbag and an internet device that will allow students to reach digital learning material. Sharif said intelligence and talent should not be restricted by a family’s financial position, and that giving children current technology and skills was a responsibility shared by everyone.
Also read: Insulin shortage hits type 1 diabetes patients across Pakistan
He added that the scheme would let pupils study online and use electronic libraries from their homes. Sharif also noted that 600,000 laptops had been distributed to students on merit over the past 10 years.
Education minister links schooling to national standing
Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui told the gathering that Pakistan was adjusting to shifting educational needs and working to earn a respected place among nations. He argued that investment in education was essential for strengthening the economy and shaping the country’s future, adding that past successes, failures and policy choices offered valuable lessons.
Siddiqui said the education sector had to adapt to changing expectations about the quality, goals and delivery of learning. He also claimed that Pakistan had covered decades of progress within a single year, moving away from a perception of international isolation toward a mediating role in the region.
Partners and youth leaders outline digital goals
Rashid Minhas, chairman of the TT Care Foundation, said his organisation wanted to contribute to the future of Pakistani students and help them become creators in the digital world. He described the initiative as an investment in the country’s future and in its talented young people.
Rana Mashhood, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, said the premier’s vision was to give young people dignity, encouragement and opportunities. Referring to digitisation in Punjab, he said digital systems had been used to monitor school performance, and a mechanism had been introduced to rank districts by merit and performance to encourage improvement.
Mashhood said the prime minister believed genuine progress would only come when every part of the country developed. He highlighted the role of Daanish Schools in offering deserving students a chance to pursue education and improve their prospects. He added that the premier had started the journey towards a Digital Pakistan and had pledged that a lack of resources would not deprive children of opportunities, saying Pakistan was attracting international engagement and interest in agreements.
