The Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme 2025 has officially returned, bringing renewed excitement — and questions — among students nationwide. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the government aims to distribute 100,000 laptops to students studying in public sector universities across Pakistan. This initiative, supervised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), is part of the Digital Youth Hub Program, which promotes digital literacy, online education, and equal access to technology for all.
However, the 2025 phase introduces a major change that’s catching everyone’s attention — the manufacturing contract has been awarded to Haier National Resources (HNR), a local assembly unit based in Lahore. This shift toward local production is being praised for supporting domestic industry but has also sparked debate over laptop quality, performance, and durability.
💻 What’s New in the 2025 Laptop Scheme?
Unlike previous years, when international brands such as Lenovo, Dell, or HP were part of the distribution, this year’s laptops will be locally assembled by Haier. The devices are expected to be either fully made in Pakistan or partially imported and finalized at Haier’s Lahore facility.
While this move supports local manufacturing, it has raised concerns about build quality and long-term reliability. Still, the inclusion of modern ports and solid specifications suggests the government is trying to strike a balance between affordability and performance.
Expected Laptop Specifications (Based on Leaked Details):
- Processor: Intel Celeron or Pentium (Entry-Level, Power Efficient)
- RAM: 8GB DDR4 (Good for Multitasking)
- Storage: 256GB M.2 SATA SSD (Fast Boot Times, Decent Storage)
- Display: 14″ or 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080 Resolution)
- Charging: USB Type-C (Modern, Universal Charging Port)
- Extras: PM Scheme Branding, Protective Laptop Bag, Preinstalled Educational Software
Read About: How the PM Laptop Scheme 2025 is Empowering Female
💡 Note: The use of M.2 SATA SSDs helps lower costs, though it’s slightly slower than NVMe drives. The addition of Type-C charging is a big plus for students who prefer lightweight and flexible charging options.
💰 Cost & Procurement Details
According to official procurement data, the total tender value of the scheme is around $37.7 million USD. With the exchange rate averaging PKR 275 per USD, this translates to roughly PKR 10.36 billion in total project cost.
Dividing that by 100,000 laptops gives an estimated per-unit cost of PKR 103,000–105,000, including packaging, branding, and logistics.
Estimated Cost Breakdown:
| Component | Approx. Cost (PKR) |
|---|---|
| Laptop (with SSD) | 95,000 – 98,000 |
| Laptop Bag | 3,000 – 4,000 |
| PM Scheme Branding | 500 – 1,000 |
| Logistics & Packaging | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Total Per Unit | ~103,000+ |
If payment is made in USD and the exchange rate rises to 290–300 PKR/USD, the per-laptop cost could exceed PKR 110,000, increasing the program’s total expense significantly.
What Are Students Saying?
Feedback from past laptop schemes has been mixed. Many students appreciated the Lenovo laptops distributed in earlier phases, citing good durability and long lifespan. Some reported using those devices for 5–6 years without major issues.
However, Haier models from previous phases received criticism for their weaker build quality, heavier designs, and shorter lifespans. Some students noted problems like hinge fragility and battery drain, while others found them sufficient for basic academic use.
Still, if Haier National Resources (HNR) has improved its production standards, this year’s laptops could deliver better value and long-term performance.
Why the Shift to Local Manufacturing?
The government’s decision to partner with Haier HNR aligns with Pakistan’s broader goal of promoting local industry and job creation. By producing devices within the country, the initiative reduces dependency on imports and encourages technology transfer to local manufacturing units.
However, this decision also puts quality assurance and after-sales support in the spotlight. If these locally made laptops meet modern standards, it will be a significant step toward self-reliance in tech manufacturing.
Final Thoughts
The PM Youth Laptop Scheme 2025 reflects a sincere effort to promote digital inclusion and educational access for students who might not otherwise afford modern devices. Yet, the real success of the program will depend on transparency, product quality, and student satisfaction.
With each laptop costing over PKR 100,000, both students and taxpayers deserve clarity on the specifications, warranty, and long-term value.
As distribution begins, students are encouraged to stay updated via the official portal www.pmyp.gov.pk, verify their eligibility, and share feedback on their experience once they receive their devices.