The Prime Minister’s laptop scheme recorded 54% female participation as of April 2026, according to the Pakistan Economic Survey 2025-26 released on Thursday, 11 June 2026.
The survey said 74,427 devices had been provided to 407,713 students across 156 higher education institutions. The scheme covered students in Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Federal Territory, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan.
The 54% female participation rate is important because Pakistan still faces a major gender gap in literacy. The survey showed that male literacy stood at 73.0%, while female literacy was 54.0%.
Therefore, the laptop scheme points to stronger female participation in higher education and digital learning. It also shows that targeted programs can help women access technology and academic resources.
The survey was released one day before the Budget 2026-27. As a result, digital education programs may receive attention in the upcoming budget debate.
However, laptop distribution alone cannot solve education challenges. Pakistan also needs better internet access, stronger universities, digital skills training, and improved school-level education for girls.
Still, the female participation rate shows a positive trend in higher education access.