Free laptops for Punjab students, now sold online – The Express Tribune
Free laptops for Punjab students, now sold online
By Web Desk
Published: April 4, 2012
Laptops are being sold on OLX.com. PHOTO: LAHORE.OLX.COM
As the Government of Punjab continues to distribute free laptops to ‘talented’ students in the province, it appears that some have taken to selling the gift online.
A report on the ProPakistani website has revealed that laptops handed out under the e-Youth Initiative program are now allegedly being sold on OLX.com.pk, a website used by buyers and sellers in Pakistan.
A quick search shows sellers pitching their wares stating that the laptop is from the Youth Initiative program and is being sold Rs8,000 to Rs10,000 lower than the market price. Users have also suggested that bargaining can bring the price down.
It has also been revealed that some machines are available at Hafeez Center in Lahore at a much lower price. Laptops are reportedly being sold for Rs20,000 and lower than market prices.
The provincial government has so far distributed thousands of laptops in different cities. Students have also complained that laptops are not being distributed on merit.
The Lahore High Court (LHC) recently directed the convener of the Youth Development Program investigate whether the laptops being distributed at Government University College (GCU) were on the basis of personal liking or merit.
Asghar Javed, a student of MPhil (Urdu) at GCU, filed a petition on Monday claiming that the laptops being distributed as a part of the program initiated by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif were not on merit