Female students made up 54% of beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme as of April 2026, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released on June 11.
The figures highlight growing female participation in higher education and digital learning initiatives across Pakistan.
Over 400,000 Students Benefited
According to the survey, the scheme reached:
🎓 407,713 students
across:
🏫 156 higher education institutions
nationwide.
The program covered students from:
- Punjab
- Sindh
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
- Balochistan
- Islamabad Capital Territory
- Azad Jammu and Kashmir
- Gilgit-Baltistan
The survey reported that:
💻 74,427 laptops and devices
had been distributed under the initiative.
Female Participation Exceeds Male Representation
One of the most notable findings was the strong participation of female students.
📊 Female participation: 54%
The figure is significant given the literacy gap highlighted elsewhere in the Economic Survey.
Literacy Rate by Gender
| Gender | Literacy Rate |
|---|---|
| Male | 73% |
| Female | 54% |
The data suggests that women are increasingly benefiting from higher education opportunities and technology-focused programs despite broader educational disparities.
Digital Learning Remains a Key Focus
Education experts say initiatives such as the laptop scheme can help students:
- Access online learning resources
- Improve digital skills
- Support academic research
- Participate in modern learning environments
The program has been widely used by university students for coursework, virtual learning, and academic projects.
Technology Access Alone Is Not Enough
While the survey reflects positive trends in female participation, experts note that broader challenges remain.
These include:
- Limited internet access in some regions
- Digital skills gaps
- Unequal access to higher education
- School-level barriers for girls
- Infrastructure challenges in underserved areas
Many analysts believe technology programs are most effective when combined with wider education reforms.
Education and Digital Programs May Receive Attention in Budget 2026-27
The Economic Survey was released ahead of the Federal Budget 2026-27, where education and digital development are expected to feature in policy discussions.
Officials and education stakeholders continue to emphasize the importance of expanding digital access while improving overall educational opportunities for students across the country.
Positive Sign for Higher Education
The 54% female participation rate indicates a growing presence of women in Pakistan’s higher education sector and reflects increasing engagement with digital learning opportunities. Education experts view the trend as an encouraging sign for improving gender inclusion in higher education.
