Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives, declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth” and announcing the distribution of 100,000 electric bikes for students across Punjab.
The announcements were made during a Honhar Scholarship and Laptop Scheme event held in Lodhran, emphasizing the government’s commitment to youth development.
In addition to the electric bike program, the chief minister announced the annual distribution of 100,000 laptops and 100,000 scholarships starting next year. She also launched the Parwaz Card, designed to support skilled youth in career development and employment opportunities.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that development initiatives will extend beyond major cities, with districts including Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal receiving focused attention.
The chief minister also detailed plans to establish IT cities in multiple districts and create an artificial intelligence center in Lahore to promote technology-driven growth and employment opportunities for young professionals.
She underscored that earlier scholarship and laptop programs could have benefited more students, which motivated the expansion of these initiatives.
Furthermore, progress on housing projects was highlighted, with 125,000 homes under construction under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar scheme. Of these, 50,000 homes are complete, while over 70,000 remain under construction.
Additionally, the government will allot three marla plots to landless citizens under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar scheme, ensuring equitable access to housing and development resources.
Through these initiatives, the Punjab government aims to empower youth, enhance access to education, technology, and housing, and ensure inclusive development across both urban and rural districts.
These programs reflect a broader agenda to boost skills, create opportunities, and improve living standards for the province’s young population. The initiatives signal a comprehensive approach to fostering growth, innovation, and social equity for Punjab’s youth.
