Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched the second phase of the provincial laptop and scholarship schemes, according to Information Minister Azma Bokhari, who said the initiatives aim to help young people access modern technology, artificial intelligence and professional skills.
Bokhari made the announcement in a statement on October 18, 2026, linking educational opportunities with the skills young people will need in a technology-driven economy. Her remarks were reported by Dunya News TV.
The announcement concerns two distinct forms of support. The laptop scheme provides eligible students with digital devices, while the Honhaar Scholarship Programme provides financial assistance for higher education. The government has previously published programme information through the Punjab Higher Education Department and its official portal.
Technology and Skills at the Centre of Youth Policy
Bokhari said the future of young people depended on education, technology, artificial intelligence and contemporary skills rather than political protests and sit-ins.
She also claimed that Maryam Nawaz’s educational and welfare initiatives were increasing her popularity among young people. These comments represent the minister’s assessment; the statement did not include independent polling or other evidence to quantify the chief minister’s popularity.
Access to laptops can support students’ participation in online learning, research and digital skills development. Scholarships can help reduce financial barriers to higher education. Their effectiveness, however, depends on transparent eligibility rules, timely distribution and whether support reaches students who need it.
What Students Should Know About the Schemes
The Punjab government has previously announced separate phases of its laptop and Honhaar scholarship programmes. In April 2025, the Higher Education Department reported the launch of the laptop scheme’s first phase and the second phase of the Honhaar Scholarship Programme.
The latest announcement reported on October 18, 2026, does not itself specify how many additional laptops or scholarships will be awarded under the newly announced phase, nor does it provide a new application deadline or updated eligibility criteria.
Students should therefore check the relevant government programme pages before applying and should not assume that the latest announcement automatically opens a new application window. Official notices should clarify whether existing applicants remain eligible, whether fresh applications are required and when distribution will take place.
Bokhari Criticises Political Opponents
The information minister also criticised political opponents of Maryam Nawaz, alleging that some had resorted to personal attacks because of the chief minister’s performance and popularity.
She said the provincial government was demonstrating its commitment through practical initiatives and claimed that Maryam Nawaz was receiving international recognition. The statement did not identify specific international awards, rankings or assessments supporting that claim.
The remarks formed part of Bokhari’s broader defence of the chief minister’s political record rather than an independently verified assessment of the programmes’ results.
Minister Makes Allegations Against PTI Over KP Security
Bokhari also criticised Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) over the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, alleging that the party had prioritised political interests over peace and national security.
She praised the Pakistan Army and other security institutions for their counterterrorism efforts and said criticism of security institutions during sensitive security operations could affect personnel morale.
These comments were political allegations made by the minister. They should not be treated as independently established findings about responsibility for the province’s security challenges.
Implementation Will Determine the Programmes’ Impact
The second-phase announcement renews the provincial government’s emphasis on education, digital access and financial support for students.
The next indicators of progress will be the publication of clear eligibility criteria, the number of beneficiaries, distribution schedules and evidence that assistance reaches students across Punjab.
