n a significant step toward empowering Pakistan’s youth with digital tools, the second meeting of the special committee on the Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme (Phase IV) was held in Islamabad on Tuesday. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training.
Key Stakeholders and Attendees
The session brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Federal Minister for Public Affairs Rana Mubashir Iqbal, Balochistan Education Minister Ms. Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani, and several former high-ranking officials such as Hafiz Hafeez ur Rehman, Murtaza Javed Abbasi, and Nehal Hashmi. Their combined experience added depth to the ongoing discussions surrounding the execution of the scheme.
Focus on Youth Empowerment
Dr. Siddiqui emphasized the importance of equipping the youth of Pakistan with modern tools to bridge the gap between the developing and developed world. He stated, “Our youth are the present and the future. If we want to compete with the world, we must empower our students with the necessary resources, such as access to digital technology.”
Review of Laptop Distribution Policy
The meeting focused on reviewing the disbursement policy and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) being put in place to ensure the transparent and efficient distribution of laptops. The minister was informed during the session that under Phase IV of the scheme, 100,000 laptops are set to be distributed. However, there is potential for the number to increase to 500,000, depending on the availability of resources and demand from universities and colleges across Pakistan.
Inclusive Participation from Provinces
Provincial representatives were actively involved in shaping the SOPs to ensure inclusivity and fair access across all regions, including underdeveloped areas such as parts of Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan. This inclusive approach highlights the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for students from all provinces.
Government’s Commitment to Timely Implementation
Dr. Siddiqui assured that all necessary steps are being taken to meet the scheme’s implementation deadlines. “This initiative is not just about giving away laptops; it is about enabling productivity, creating jobs, and fostering innovation,” he remarked. He further expressed confidence in the collective optimism of Pakistanis, saying that the country stands at a turning point and such initiatives can lead to substantial progress.
A Key Component of Youth Development
The Prime Minister’s Youth Laptop Scheme continues to be one of the flagship projects under the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, aimed at enhancing educational outcomes and digital literacy among university students. With strong leadership, a transparent process, and active participation from all provinces, the scheme aims to unlock the true potential of Pakistan’s young minds.
Students Await Next Steps
As the government moves forward with the implementation of Phase IV, students across the country await further updates on the application process and selection criteria, hoping to be part of Pakistan’s digital transformation journey.