Federal Govt Announces Free Laptops For Karachi Students

Federal Govt Announces Free Laptops For Karachi Students

Federal government declared to give out free laptops to Karachi students, it was announced that the Prime Minister will launch this programme in December this year at the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam. The scheme was revealed when government spokesperson Raja Ansari briefed the media, where he packaged the laptop distribution as an entire development package of the city.

Announcement of Destination

According to Raja Ansari, the Prime Minister will personally launch the programme at Mazar-e-Quaid where laptops will be distributed to the students in a mass ceremony. The officials characterized the plan as one that will increase digital access among youths in Karachi as a part of the move that will enable online learning, development of technical skills, and gain access to freelancing and remote job opportunities. Several national media houses have already covered the announcement of the government.

Also as part of the laptop distribution, Ansari also announced a parallel development program, the federal government will launch 22 mega projects in Karachi at the cost of an investment of Rs334 billion. The spokesperson says that these projects cut across infrastructure, education and municipal services and are meant to upgrade the long overdue upgrades across the metropolis. According to the officials the portfolio represents a blend of short term interventions and long term investments, which will alleviate long term urban problems.

Collaboration with Sindh Government and Political Situation

Ansari pointed out that the federal government hopes to implement the projects alongside the Sindh provincial government and the Karachi Mayor, but it is more a cooperation and not a confrontation. He also commended Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori as a good person and the initiative was not to achieve any political points but to provide services to the Karachi residents. They were made amid periodic tensions between federal and provincial leadership and the government described the programme as a realistic, non-partisan initiative to enhance city services.

Response and Consequences of Students

Education activists were good to see the concept of broader access to digital but would like to see how it would be clarified about who is eligible, when it will be rolled out and how it would be maintained. According to experts, the distribution of free devices can only be transformative in cases where the students are supported with internet access, technical assistance, and training to ensure that they can use the devices to study and to give them a chance to get an economic opportunity. It was also emphasized by the observers on transparency in selecting the beneficiaries so that most needy students can be benefited. The local groups of students claimed that they were waiting with very cautious optimism on the next announcement.

The authorities have thus far established December as the date of the launch; specific launch implementation schedules, procurement and distribution lists were not announced at the press conference. Shortly after the first ceremony, the implementing agencies and the federal cabinet will be expected to release operational guidelines, procurement tenders as well as eligibility criteria. Analysts indicate that it will be necessary that these documents are published in a timely manner to ensure that there is trust among the people and no delays occur.

The biggest city and economic center in Pakistan is marred with continuous lapses in education infrastructure, internet access as well as job placements among the youth. Thousands of students might gain access to the new learning tools and online markets through a properly implemented laptop distribution along with the training and connection. Partial implementation, on the other hand, without following through would be prone to the establishment of short term publicity as opposed to lasting impact. The scheme will succeed based on open procurement, fair selection of beneficiaries and after sales.