Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially launched a scheme to distribute 500,000 Chromebooks among students across Pakistan. The initiative also aims to provide internet access and improve digital learning opportunities for students.
The launch ceremony took place in Islamabad, where the prime minister attended and addressed the event. The government described the initiative as another step toward supporting students through technology and education.
The programme follows previous government initiatives that distributed laptops to thousands of deserving students on merit. It aims to expand access to digital resources for students from different educational backgrounds.
Who Is Eligible for the Chromebook Scheme?
The Prime Minister’s Youth Chromebook Scheme is being implemented by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The Prime Minister’s Youth Program is also involved in the initiative.
Under the scheme, 500,000 refurbished Chromebooks will be distributed over three years. The devices will be awarded to high-performing Grade 9 students based on their academic results.
Students will be ranked according to their Secondary School Certificate Part-I (SSC-I) results. The Inter Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) will verify their results. Applicants must secure at least 50 percent marks to qualify.
Students enrolled in public schools can apply for the programme. Students from private schools funded by provincial education foundations are also eligible. Registered madaris students can also benefit from the initiative.
Chromebook Distribution and Student Quotas
The government has established specific quotas to ensure distribution across different educational institutions. Four out of every five devices allocated in each province will go to school students. The remaining device will be reserved for students of madaris.
Among school students, 70 percent of the allocated devices will be reserved for science students. The remaining 30 percent will be allocated to students studying arts.
The government plans to deliver the devices directly to verified students through courier services. A central monitoring system will track the distribution process.
Grievance committees will also operate at provincial and educational board levels. These committees will address complaints related to the scheme and its implementation.
Province-Wise Distribution of 500,000 Chromebooks
The government has announced allocations for provinces and administrative regions under the programme.
Punjab will receive 181,090 devices, while Sindh has been allocated 85,925 Chromebooks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will receive 51,170 devices, and Balochistan will get 31,815.
Islamabad has been allocated 100,000 devices under the scheme. Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will each receive 25,000 Chromebooks.
The programme is intended to help students access digital educational resources and strengthen technology-based learning. By prioritising students with strong academic results, the government aims to support educational development across Pakistan.
In other related news also read Update on PM Laptop Scheme Application Status
The announcement of 500,000 Chromebooks marks a major expansion of the government’s student technology initiative. Eligible students should review the official application guidelines to understand the requirements and distribution process.
