Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives, declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth”. She also announced the distribution of 100,000 electric bikes for students across the province.
The announcements came during a Honhar Scholarship and Laptop Scheme event held in Lodhran. The chief minister said the provincial government will also establish IT cities in multiple districts and set up an artificial intelligence center in Lahore to foster technological development.
Starting next year, the Punjab government will annually distribute 100,000 laptops and provide 100,000 scholarships to deserving students. Maryam Nawaz also launched the Parwaz Card, a program designed to support youth in skill development and career growth.
Explaining her decision to hold the ceremony in Lodhran, the chief minister emphasized that development will not remain limited to major cities. Districts such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal will receive equal focus under the provincial government’s development agenda. She noted that earlier scholarship and laptop programs could have benefited more students and pledged broader access going forward.
The chief minister also shared updates on housing projects. Under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar scheme, construction is underway on 125,000 homes, with 50,000 completed and over 70,000 under construction. Additionally, the government plans to allot three marla plots to landless citizens through the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar initiative.
Maryam Nawaz said these programs aim to empower youth, strengthen education, promote innovation, and ensure affordable housing across Punjab. She highlighted that these efforts will help create opportunities for students, young professionals, and landless citizens, supporting sustainable social and economic development throughout the province.
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These initiatives reflect Punjab’s commitment to youth empowerment, technological advancement, and inclusive growth in the coming years.
