Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday revealed a number of youth-focused initiatives, declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth” and announcing the distribution of 100,000 electric bikes for students across the province.
She made the announcements while speaking at a Honhar Scholarship and Laptop Scheme event in Lodhran. The chief minister said the Punjab government will also establish IT cities in multiple districts and set up an artificial intelligence center in Lahore.
Maryam Nawaz said the government will begin annual distribution of 100,000 laptops and the same number of scholarships starting next year. She also launched the Parwaz Card, a new program designed to support skilled youth in career development.
Explaining her decision to hold the ceremony in Lodhran, the chief minister said development initiatives will not remain limited to major urban centers. She said districts such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal will receive equal attention under the provincial government’s development agenda.
She said an earlier launch of scholarship and laptop programs could have benefited more students.
The chief minister also outlined progress on housing projects, stating that construction is underway on 125,000 homes under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar scheme. She said 50,000 houses are complete, while over 70,000 remain under construction.
She added that the government will allot three marla plots to landless citizens under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar scheme.
