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Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a wide-ranging package of youth-focused initiatives, declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth” and unveiling plans to distribute 100,000 electric bikes to students across Punjab. The announcement was made during the Honhar Scholarship and Laptop Scheme ceremony in Lodhran, highlighting the government’s renewed focus on education, skills, and employment for young people.
Addressing the ceremony, Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government will begin the annual distribution of 100,000 laptops and 100,000 scholarships starting next year, aimed at supporting talented students from across the province. She also launched the Parwaz Card, a new initiative designed to help skilled youth advance their careers and improve employability.
In addition, the chief minister announced plans to establish IT cities in multiple districts and set up an Artificial Intelligence Center in Lahore, calling it a key step toward preparing youth for the digital economy.
Explaining her decision to hold the event in Lodhran, Maryam Nawaz said development initiatives will no longer remain limited to large urban centers. She emphasized that districts including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal will receive equal attention under the provincial government’s development agenda.
She noted that launching scholarship and laptop programs earlier could have benefited more students, adding that her government is now accelerating youth-focused reforms.
The chief minister also shared progress on housing initiatives, stating that construction is underway on 125,000 homes under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar scheme. According to her, 50,000 houses have been completed, while over 70,000 are currently under construction.
She further announced that three-marla plots will be allotted to landless citizens under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar scheme.
