Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday announced a comprehensive set of initiatives aimed at empowering young people across the province, declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth” and unveiling a plan to distribute 100,000 electric bikes to students.
The announcement was made during a Honhar Scholarship and Laptop Scheme ceremony held in Lodhran, underscoring the government’s commitment to extending development initiatives beyond major urban centers.
Addressing the event, the chief minister revealed that the Punjab government will establish IT cities in multiple districts and set up an artificial intelligence center in Lahore to strengthen the province’s digital and technological ecosystem.
She further announced that from next year onward, the government will begin the annual distribution of 100,000 laptops and an equal number of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. In addition, the Parwaz Card was launched to facilitate skilled youth in career development and professional growth.
Explaining the choice of Lodhran as the venue, Maryam Nawaz emphasized that development efforts would not remain confined to large cities. Districts including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal will receive equal attention under the provincial development agenda.
The chief minister acknowledged that an earlier launch of scholarship and laptop schemes could have benefited a larger number of students, reiterating the government’s resolve to accelerate youth-focused policies.
She also highlighted progress on housing initiatives, stating that construction work is underway on 125,000 homes under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar scheme. According to her, 50,000 houses have been completed, while more than 70,000 are currently under construction.
Additionally, she announced that three marla residential plots will be allotted to landless citizens under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar scheme, aimed at improving housing access for underserved communities.
