ISLAMABAD, October 25, 2026: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday announced a programme to provide Chromebooks and internet connectivity to 500,000 talented students from schools and religious seminaries across Pakistan over the next two years, aiming to expand access to digital education and modern learning resources.
Addressing the programme’s launch ceremony at the Convention Centre in Islamabad, the prime minister said educational opportunities should not be determined by a student’s financial background, stressing that talent and ability must be supported regardless of whether a person comes from a wealthy or underprivileged family.
“Intelligence and talent should not be confined by poverty or wealth,” he said, describing the initiative as the beginning of a major effort to empower young Pakistanis through education and technology.
The ceremony was attended by students from different parts of the country, along with international guests whom the prime minister welcomed for participating in the initiative.
Chromebooks and internet access for students
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government would distribute 500,000 Chromebooks among deserving students over two years, with selection based strictly on merit and academic ability.
He explained that students from both conventional educational institutions and religious seminaries would benefit from the programme.
Along with the Chromebooks, recipients would receive bags for carrying their devices and books, as well as portable MiFi internet devices to enable online connectivity.
The prime minister said the initiative would allow students to access digital libraries and educational resources from their homes, helping them acquire knowledge beyond the limitations of traditional classrooms.
He expressed hope that access to modern technology would enable students to develop their capabilities and emerge among the country’s most accomplished young professionals.
Government pledges resources for youth empowerment
The prime minister reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing the resources required to support education and empower young people.
He described education as a form of wealth that cannot be stolen and said it enables individuals to distinguish themselves through knowledge, skills and achievement.
Shehbaz Sharif stressed that Pakistan’s young generation must be equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to meet the demands of the modern world.
He said students who develop technological skills and gain access to contemporary educational resources would be better positioned to contribute to the country’s economic development and prosperity.
The prime minister also emphasised that investment in education was essential for preparing young Pakistanis to compete in an increasingly technology-driven environment.
PM recalls previous laptop distribution programme
Referring to earlier initiatives, Shehbaz Sharif said that during the previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government led by Nawaz Sharif, approximately 600,000 laptops were distributed among students across the country.
He said the earlier programme also covered Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, with recipients selected on the basis of merit.
The prime minister presented the new Chromebook initiative as a continuation of efforts to provide young people with educational technology and expand learning opportunities.
He reiterated that the government would make the necessary resources available to support talented students and help them realise their potential.
Students from across Pakistan attend launch ceremony
Earlier, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said in a statement on X that large numbers of male and female students from across Pakistan were participating in the Islamabad ceremony.
The launch brought together students from schools and religious seminaries under a programme intended to improve access to digital learning.
The government plans to complete the distribution of 500,000 Chromebooks within two years, alongside the provision of internet connectivity to recipients.
The initiative is expected to help participating students access online educational materials, electronic libraries and other digital learning resources as part of the government’s wider efforts to promote technology-enabled education.