Shehbaz Sharif launches plan to equip students with 500,000 Chromebooks devices

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a nationwide education initiative to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks and provide internet access to talented students over the next two years, aiming to expand digital learning and improve opportunities for young Pakistanis.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Islamabad, Shehbaz said students should have the opportunity to develop their abilities regardless of their financial circumstances. He stressed that access to modern technology and digital skills was essential to preparing young people for international opportunities.

Under the programme, eligible students will receive Chromebooks on merit, along with a school bag and an internet device to support online learning. The initiative will cover talented students in schools and religious seminaries.

Shehbaz said the programme would enable students to access digital educational resources and electronic libraries from home, allowing them to learn beyond the classroom.

Reflecting on previous education initiatives, the prime minister said 600,000 laptops had been distributed to students on merit over the past decade under a scheme introduced during former prime minister Nawaz Sharif’s administration.

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He thanked the Tokyo Technology Care Foundation for supporting the Chromebook initiative and acknowledged overseas Pakistanis who had contributed to improving education and digital access for young people.

Shehbaz described Pakistanis living abroad as a valuable national resource who could play an important role in shaping the country’s future.

The prime minister also highlighted the government’s efforts to expand access to quality education through Danish Schools, which provide free education, accommodation and meals to students.

He said the institutions offer modern learning facilities, including smart boards and electronic libraries, while 27 additional Danish Schools were under construction across the country.

Shehbaz reiterated that the government wanted to equip students with the resources needed to develop their talents and contribute to Pakistan’s progress.

He expressed hope that the new initiative would help students pursue higher education, strengthen their digital skills and improve their prospects for employment.

Recalling the Covid-19 pandemic, the prime minister said laptops had helped students continue their education and enabled people to work during widespread disruption.

Addressing students at the ceremony, he stressed that education remained essential for personal development, professional success and building a better future.