Govt announces new loans and laptops for students and youngsters”
The Pakistani government is rolling out a fresh wave of support for its young population, addressing everything from education gaps to overseas job opportunities. Here’s what this means for students and young adults navigating today’s challenges:
1. “Chasing Global Careers? Let’s Cover Your Costs”
Imagine you’re a 22-year-old from Lahore with a job offer in Dubai, but the upfront costs of visas, training, and flights feel overwhelming. The new Rs1 million loan for overseas employment is designed exactly for this scenario. It’s not just about money—it’s about opening doors. Young adults aged 18–30 can use these funds to cover training programs, visa fees, travel, and even setting up their first apartment abroad. As Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, head of the Prime Minister Youth Programme, put it: “We want our youth to compete globally, not just survive locally” .
2. Laptops for Students: “No More Borrowing Your Cousin’s Old Device”
For students stuck sharing gadgets or skipping online classes due to tech shortages, the Prime Minister Youth Loan Scheme now includes interest-free loans for laptops. If you’re enrolled in an HEC-recognized institution (and aged 18–30), this could mean finally owning a device to finish assignments, apply for jobs, or learn coding. Think of it as an investment in your future—one that won’t drown you in debt .
3. Scholarships Beyond Punjab: “Your Province Doesn’t Define Your Potential”
Punjab’s popular Honhaar Scholarship Program is going national! Students from Balochistan, Sindh, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can now apply under the same criteria as their peers in Punjab. Plus, the Punjab Laptop Scheme is handing out 110,000 laptops this year, prioritizing students with at least 65% marks. As Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized: “Education isn’t a privilege—it’s a right” .
4. Learning from the World: How Other Countries Are Tackling Student Debt
Pakistan isn’t alone in this fight. China, for instance, recently doubled scholarships and slashed student loan interest rates to combat rising living costs . Meanwhile, in the U.S., millions of graduates face uncertainty as lawmakers debate rolling back Biden-era repayment plans . These global parallels highlight how crucial Pakistan’s efforts are—and how much work remains.
5. The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
Behind every loan or laptop is a story. Maybe it’s a Karachi student coding her first app, a farmer’s son from KP attending virtual classes, or a young woman starting a tailoring business with an interest-free loan. These policies aren’t just about numbers—they’re about dignity, opportunity, and turning Pakistan’s “youth bulge” into an economic superpower .
What’s Next?
If you’re eligible, visit the Prime Minister Youth Programme portal or partner banks like Akhuwat Microfinance to apply. And for those watching from abroad—keep an eye on how these initiatives stack up against global trends. As one student from Islamabad put it: “Finally, it feels like someone’s listening.”