The Punjab government has announced a new initiative to provide free e-bikes and laptops to 100,000 young people across the province. Officials say the plan is designed to remove obstacles that often quietly affect student education, from long commutes to limited access to technology.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz shared the details during her address at the National Workshop in Balochistan. She highlighted that many students face challenges that often go unnoticed: rising travel costs, lengthy journeys to schools and colleges, and difficulties in completing assignments due to a lack of proper tools. “We want students to focus on learning, not on how they will get to school or finish their homework,” Maryam Nawaz said.
The chief minister assured that the distribution of e-bikes and laptops will be strictly merit-based, using existing programs like the Honhaar Scholarship scheme. She emphasized that favoritism or personal recommendations will not influence the process, and that deserving students will be prioritized.
Maryam Nawaz also spoke about Punjab’s inclusive approach to education, noting that students from all over Pakistan, including Balochistan, are already studying in the province universities and colleges and this practice will continue.
Beyond education, the chief minister highlighted other ongoing welfare initiatives, including affordable housing for low-income families, home delivery of free medicines, and improved healthcare for children with special needs. She also pointed to recent upgrades in public transport, including electric buses in Lahore, low cost green bus services, and expanded city routes.
Concluding her speech, Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her government’s focus on merit, transparency, and public service, while promising more programs to support youth and students in the near future.
The announcement has been welcomed positively by many, though observers note that the true impact will depend on smooth implementation and consistent follow-through.
