Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday unveiled a series of youth-focused initiatives, declaring 2026 as the “Year of Youth” and announcing plans to distribute 100,000 electric bikes to students across the province.
Speaking at the Honhar Scholarship and Laptop Scheme event in Lodhran, she said the Punjab government will establish IT cities in multiple districts and set up an artificial intelligence center in Lahore.
She added that starting next year, 100,000 laptops, along with an equal number of scholarships, will be distributed annually.
The chief minister also introduced the Parwaz Card, a new program aimed at supporting youth in career development.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that hosting the event in Lodhran reflects the government’s commitment to extending development beyond major urban centers, including districts such as Rawalpindi, Lahore, Multan, Layyah, Bhakkar, and Sahiwal.
She also noted that previous scholarship and laptop programs could have reached more students.
The chief minister provided updates on housing projects, stating that 125,000 homes are under construction under the Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar scheme, with 50,000 already completed. She added that the government will provide three marla plots to landless citizens under the Apni Zameen, Apna Ghar initiative.