Punjab to launch student e-bike distribution on November 5

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced that the provincial government will begin distributing electric bikes to students on November 5, 2026. The current phase of the scheme aims to provide 100,000 e-bikes, a figure lower than previous estimates of 125,000, which the Chief Minister attributed to the federal government withdrawing funds from the province.

Registration for the program has seen significant interest, with reports indicating between 1.2 million and 1.3 million students registered and approximately 600,000 applications received. The scheme includes a quota for female students, who are expected to make up the majority of recipients. Under the program, students will pay approximately Rs3,028 per month over 36 months with no down payment, while the government covers insurance, registration, and mark-up costs. Free driving training will also be provided to participants.

In addition to the e-bike announcement, the Chief Minister presided over a laptop and Honhaar merit scholarship distribution ceremony at the University of Sahiwal. She emphasized that the programs are based on merit rather than political influence. The ceremony also highlighted other provincial initiatives, including the Kisan Card for farmers and various internship and transport schemes.