Shehbaz Sharif: “For Us, Laptops Are More Than Machines—They’re a Mission”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced several initiatives focused on expanding opportunities for Pakistan’s youth, with particular emphasis on education, technology, entrepreneurship, and employment.

Speaking at an event marking International Youth Day, the prime minister described laptops as an important tool for empowering students rather than simply electronic devices. He said approximately 700,000 laptops have so far been distributed to talented students on merit.

Sharif also dismissed earlier allegations surrounding the laptop distribution programme and stressed that young Pakistanis should have equal opportunities to access quality education and modern technology.

Alongside the laptop initiative, the government is preparing to introduce a first-employment policy aimed at helping young people secure their first jobs. A 10% annual quota for startups has also been announced to encourage entrepreneurship and support young business founders.

The government plans to expand the Daanish Schools programme beyond Punjab and establish a Daanish University in Islamabad next year, further broadening access to quality education.

These initiatives reflect the government’s wider focus on developing education, employment, technology, and entrepreneurship opportunities for Pakistan’s young population.

With young people representing a significant portion of the country’s population, improving access to skills, modern technology, education, and employment opportunities will remain important for Pakistan’s future economic growth and development.