In a significant move aimed at bolstering education and technological access for students, the federal government of Pakistan has unveiled plans for the “Laptop for All” initiative, set to launch next year. This groundbreaking scheme intends to provide laptops to students across the nation through interest-free loans.
The announcement was made by Rana Mashhood, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program (PMYP), during a press conference where he outlined the program’s objectives and implementation strategy. Under this initiative, students will have the opportunity to obtain laptops through banks without incurring any interest charges.
Mashhood elaborated on the progress of the scheme, mentioning that the government is in the final stages of determining its operational details. Decisions regarding the provision of interest-free laptops are expected to be announced in the coming days. Despite acknowledging financial challenges faced by the interim government, exacerbated by stringent IMF conditions, Mashhood assured that the “Laptop for All” initiative would be seamlessly integrated into the upcoming fiscal budget.
He also highlighted the missed opportunity in the previous budget due to the transition between governments and financial constraints during the interim period. However, he reassured the public that the upcoming fiscal planning would rectify this by incorporating provisions for laptop distribution to students.
The “Laptop for All” scheme is poised to bridge the digital divide and empower students with essential tools for modern education, aligning with the government’s commitment to fostering a technologically proficient and educated society. This initiative represents a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to education and enhancing digital literacy among the youth of Pakistan.