The Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has announced a series of IT-focused initiatives aimed at equipping the province’s youth with digital skills and promoting entrepreneurship. These initiatives are part of a larger vision to position Punjab as a hub for technological innovation.
The Honhaar Scholarship Program’s budget has been increased to Rs 100 billion, with 20,000 additional scholarships planned for next year. To support young entrepreneurs, the government will offer interest-free loans of up to Rs 3 million. In a move toward sustainable transportation, 100,000 e-bikes will be distributed among students, with charging stations set up in universities and colleges. Additionally, an e-taxi service will be introduced in collaboration with the Chengdu government.
A Chinese company will establish a computing center at the Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore to advance IT education and research. New educational programs, including Middle Tech, Matric Tech, and Inter Tech, will integrate technical education into school curricula. Training in fields like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and e-merchandising will be introduced, benefiting thousands of students across Punjab.
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to empowering young people with modern skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring Punjab’s participation in the global digital economy.
