LAHORE: The Punjab laptop scholarship scheme has entered its second phase. Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced the launch. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has started a fresh round of the province’s laptop and scholarship programme for youth. Bokhari said their future lies in technology, artificial intelligence and skills development.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Bokhari said the country’s youth needed educational opportunities and modern skills. These would prepare them for the future, she added. In contrast, she said that containers, long marches and sit-ins could not provide a path to progress.
Punjab laptop scholarship scheme: what phase two means
The second phase extends the provincial government’s flagship youth programme, under which students receive laptops and merit-based scholarships. Consequently, for students across Punjab, the announcement signals a fresh round of applications and distributions. Specifically, this is a direct benefit for those who missed the first phase. In addition, it helps those entering universities and colleges this year. It joins the education opportunities young Pakistanis track closely. For example, these range from the inspiring journey of Dr Alina Daanish to scholarships abroad.
Bokhari said Maryam Nawaz was addressing the educational and social needs of young men and women in Punjab. She does so with the same care she would give her own children, Bokhari claimed. She added that her initiatives had increased her popularity among young people.
According to the minister, political opponents felt threatened by Maryam Nawaz’s popularity and performance. As a result, they repeatedly resorted to personal attacks against her. Furthermore, she said some individuals who spoke about morality and values were also driven by hostility towards the chief minister.
Skills, not slogans
For example, Bokhari framed the schemes as part of a broader youth-skills narrative. In her telling, technology, artificial intelligence and vocational training are the route to employment. She set this against what she described as the politics of protest. Whether the laptops translate into jobs will depend on one thing. It is how the programme connects with training and industry. Meanwhile, students and educationists will be watching this question as phase two rolls out.
Bokhari said Maryam Nawaz had demonstrated her performance through practical initiatives. She added that the chief minister was gaining international recognition as a result. This posture is consistent with her dismissal of criticism during a recent interaction with Sindh trainees. Indeed, education schemes with direct student benefits have consistently drawn strong interest from young readers. One example is scholarship opportunities for Pakistani students abroad.
Remarks on K-P security and PTI
Commenting on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the minister made a bold claim. She said the era of what she described as “fake change” and hollow slogans had come to an end.
She blamed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the province’s security challenges. Furthermore, she alleged that the party had prioritised terrorism over national interests and peace. These remarks land amid the party’s own internal strains. Specifically, those include the panel formed to probe the long march failure. According to the minister, the Pakistan Army and other security institutions were making continuous sacrifices to eliminate terrorism. In addition, she said criticism of security institutions at such a time undermined the morale of security personnel. Finally, Bokhari said the Pakistani nation stood firmly alongside its security forces. They are working to maintain peace and combat terrorism, she added.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Punjab laptop scholarship scheme phase two?
It is the second phase of the Punjab government’s laptop and scholarship programme for youth. The phase was launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. It offers laptops and merit-based scholarships to students across the province.
Who announced the second phase?
Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced the launch in a statement. She linked it to the government’s focus on technology, artificial intelligence and skills development for young people.
What did the minister say about PTI and K-P security?
Bokhari blamed the PTI for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s security challenges. She alleged the party had prioritised terrorism over national interests. In addition, she praised the sacrifices of the army and security institutions.
How do students benefit from the scheme?
Eligible students receive laptops and scholarships that support their studies. In addition, the second phase opens a fresh round for students who missed the first phase. Moreover, it covers students who are newly enrolled.
