PM Launches Chromebook Scheme for 500,000 School and Madrassa Students

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a nationwide scheme to distribute 500,000 refurbished Chromebooks with internet connectivity to talented students over two years. The initiative includes students from schools and registered religious seminaries with distribution based on merit

The prime minister launched the Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme in Islamabad on October 25, 2026. The government plans to distribute an average of 250,000 devices annually, helping students access online educational resources, digital libraries and remote learning opportunities

Each selected student will receive a refurbished Chromebook, a school bag and a MiFi device for internet access. According to the government, each internet connection could benefit up to five people, potentially extending digital access to around 2.5 million people.

Addressing the ceremony, Shehbaz said financial hardship should not prevent talented young people from developing their abilities or pursuing higher education.

He recalled that previous governments had distributed 600,000 laptops over a decade and said the new initiative would expand access to digital learning.

The government partnered with the Tokyo Technology Care Foundation for the program. Foundation chairman Rashid Minhas also attended the launch.

Seminary Students Included in the Scheme

The scheme covers talented students from religious seminaries (Madrasas) alongside those studying in mainstream educational institutions.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said one in every five Chromebooks would go to a student enrolled in a registered seminary. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar also welcomed the inclusion of seminary students.

Federal Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said Pakistan needed to equip its young population with modern skills and technology to support national development.

The prime minister also highlighted the expansion of the Daanish Schools network. He said 27 campuses were under construction to provide deserving students with free education and modern learning facilities.

Separately, Prime Minister’s Youth Program Chairman Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan has emphasized the importance of digital skills, artificial intelligence and entrepreneurship in preparing young people for employment.