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Pakistan Launches Youth Laptop Scheme 2025, Notes Saudi AI Training Offer and Orders PRAL Forensic Audit

The rollout signals a push to pair digital access with overseas training alongside stricter tax‑system oversight.

Overview

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the programme in Islamabad, with 100,000 laptops to be awarded to students nationwide on merit.
  • Sharif said Saudi Arabia has offered free AI and IT training for Pakistani students, with officials holding discussions on implementation.
  • He pledged efforts to send thousands of Pakistanis to Saudi Arabia for training and jobs linked to major Vision 2030 projects.
  • Officials cited cumulative spending of roughly Rs40–50 billion on laptop phases since 2011, as Sharif signaled willingness to invest up to Rs500 billion in youth education and skills.
  • The prime minister ordered a forensic audit of PRAL and an inquiry into a sales‑tax fraud traced to 2018–19, requesting a report within three weeks as the FBR highlights recent security upgrades.