PM Youth Laptop Scheme Timeline
PM Youth Laptop Scheme Timeline: The Prime Minister Youth Laptop Scheme was announced in July 2023 by the then Prime Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif to digitally empower the youth of the country, specifically students in publicly funded institutions, and promote their academic and research skills. However, there has been an unprecedented delay in the practical implementation of the scheme, leaving thousands of students frustrated.
Real Reasons for the Delay in the Laptop Scheme
As soon as the scheme was launched, its files began circulating in various government offices, including the Planning Commission, HEC, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, and the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC). The process took so long that, in February 2024, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) finally formed a Project Steering Committee to implement the scheme and initiate the tender process.
BISP Re-Survey Document Checklist: What to Carry to the Tehsil Office
Full Details of 251 Days
According to the documents, a total of 251 days were spent in the approval of PC-1 of this scheme, the details of which are as follows:
- 73 days: Finalisation of Technical Assessment
- 76 days: Financial Evaluation
- 59 days: Technical Evaluation
- 47 days: Bid Submission
- 45 days: Contract Signing
- 19 days: Notification of the Steering Committee
- 7 days: Preparation of SBD
All these steps led to a long wait, which raised questions about the effectiveness and timely implementation of the scheme.
CM KP Announces Major Relief Packages for Orphans and Widowed Womem
Effects of Delay
The delay in this scheme affected students who rely on research projects, online courses, or digital learning the most. Laptops have become a basic necessity, especially for students studying in remote areas. It is also worth mentioning that in the current digital era, laptops are an essential tool for accessing e-learning, online classes, research data, and other learning resources. The delay in the scheme has not only pushed students back in their academics but also in their professional fields.
Applications Launched
In the last week of April 2025, a portal was finally launched by HEC, through which applications were invited from MPhil, PhD, and undergraduate students for the laptop scheme. The receipt of applications was completed on June 1, 2025, and now the matter is with the Federal Higher Education Commission.
HEC and Chairman’s Tenure
Insiders reveal that Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, the incumbent Chairman of HEC, is set to conclude his term in July 2025. There are reports that he is seeking a further extension in this position. It is possible that in this context, they will try to highlight their performance by implementing the scheme quickly, which can directly benefit the students.
Good News Dastak App is a Solution to Citizens’ Problems
Conclusion
Although the laptop scheme took an unusual amount of time to start, now that the online applications have been completed, it is hoped that HEC will soon start the process of distributing laptops to the students. There is an urgent need to avoid bureaucratic hurdles and complete such projects in a transparent, fast, and fair manner so that the educational future of Pakistan can be made bright.