Maryam Nawaz approved distribution of more than 70,000 laptops this year.
Punjab has started the second phase of its Chief Minister’s Laptop Scheme, with another 30,000 laptops set to be distributed among eligible university students.
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said that the first batch of laptops has arrived in the province. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved the distribution of more than 70,000 laptops this year.
The initiative is aimed at providing students with modern technology, improving digital learning, and supporting higher education in Punjab. The remaining laptops will be given out in stages after checking eligibility and completing the verification process.
The announcement came soon after the Punjab government allocated a record Rs. 750 billion for the education sector in its 2026–27 budget, showing its focus on improving education facilities and promoting digital learning.
Under this budget, the School Education Department has been given Rs. 600.78 billion for routine expenses and Rs. 13.18 billion for development projects. About Rs. 570.52 billion has been set aside for grants and subsidies for district education authorities and public schools.
The Higher Education Department will receive Rs. 83.48 billion for regular expenses and Rs. 11.15 billion for development work. The budget also includes Rs. 68.72 billion for salaries and other employee-related costs.
The CM Laptop Scheme is a key initiative of the Punjab government to support students by providing free laptops to deserving students in public universities and colleges, helping reduce the digital gap.
The scheme also aims to improve online learning, research, and digital skills needed for education and jobs.
The government is expected to announce eligibility rules and the distribution plan for the new laptops in the coming weeks.
