Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday inaugurated the fourth phase of the Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme 2025, reaffirming his government’s commitment to investing in education, technology, and skills development for Pakistan’s youth.

The ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, senior officials, students, and alumni of earlier laptop initiatives.

Addressing the gathering, the prime minister described the occasion as “a historic day in Pakistan’s journey towards youth empowerment.”

He said the laptop scheme was an extension of his vision launched in 2010 as Punjab chief minister to promote education, fine arts, culture, sports, and information technology.

“Even in times of national crisis, including devastating floods, not a single rupee was cut from the youth development budget because education and empowerment remain our top priorities,” he said.

Highlighting Pakistan’s technological strides, PM Shehbaz said the country was among the few developing nations formulating policies on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and had now begun work on semiconductor manufacturing.

“Pakistan’s technological future is bright,” he added.

“This programme is not for personal glory but for our young citizens who are the architects of tomorrow,” he said.

“The new slogan, ‘Youth of Pakistan: Making Pakistan Great’, embodies our belief in merit, innovation, and national pride.”

The prime minister noted that more than 100,000 laptops have been distributed purely on merit since 2011, involving an investment of Rs 40-50 billion.

He said the government was now allocating Rs 500 billion for youth education, skills, and empowerment, an investment he described as “a down payment on Pakistan’s future.”

PN Shehbaz also revealed that Pakistan is collaborating with Saudi Arabia to provide advanced training in Artificial Intelligence, information technology, and modern trades, ensuring that young Pakistanis are equipped to compete globally.