Mein Digital: Phase 2 & 3 Launched in Dera Ghazi Khan — 121 Rural Women Begin Home-Based Learning with Free Desktops
Mein Digital Phase 2 & 3 Launched in Dera Ghazi Khan
The Government of Punjab has launched Phase 2 and Phase 3 of its flagship Mein Digital program from Dera Ghazi Khan, marking another milestone in the province’s journey toward digital inclusion and women’s empowerment. Under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Hunarmand Naujawan Program, this initiative focuses on enhancing digital literacy and providing home-based income opportunities for women across rural areas of Punjab.
As part of this new phase, 121 rural women were provided with free desktop computers, enabling them to begin digital learning and online work directly from their homes. The event symbolizes a strong step toward bridging the digital divide between urban and rural communities.
Mein Digital: Empowering Rural Women through Technology
The Mein Digital initiative represents a forward-thinking effort to equip women with modern tools and skills that can transform their lives. By distributing free desktop computers, the government is giving women a chance to connect to the digital world, learn valuable online skills, and explore new sources of income without having to leave their homes.
These 121 women were selected purely on merit, ensuring that only deserving and motivated individuals benefit from this program. The approach highlights fairness, inclusivity, and the government’s commitment to uplifting rural communities through education and technology.
Quick Facts about Mein Digital Phases 2 & 3
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Mein Digital |
| Initiative Under | Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s Hunarmand Naujawan Program |
| Launched Phases | Phase 2 & Phase 3 |
| Location of Launch | Dera Ghazi Khan |
| Organizing Body | Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF) |
| Beneficiaries | 121 selected rural women |
| Provided Equipment | Free Desktop Computers |
| Purpose | Digital learning and income generation from home |
Mein Digital Launch Event: A Regional Milestone
The official launch ceremony took place at a local hotel in Dera Ghazi Khan, organized by the Punjab Skills Development Fund (PSDF). Women from five key districts Dera Ghazi Khan, Layyah, Rajanpur, Bahawalnagar, and Rahim Yar Khan participated in the event, showcasing wide regional inclusion from southern Punjab.
The launch highlighted the government’s focus on skill-based development and economic participation for women, particularly in rural areas where access to education and technology remains limited. The PSDF’s role in organizing the event demonstrates Punjab’s growing emphasis on structured, professionally managed digital learning initiatives.
Building Skills and Confidence among Rural Women
Speaking at the ceremony, Mirza Akbar Hussain, head of the Mein Digital program, emphasized that the project is not merely about technical training, but also about changing mindsets and restoring confidence among women.
He stated that Mein Digital aims to open new digital doors for women who were previously disconnected from the opportunities of the modern world. By combining digital skills training with practical income opportunities, the program helps women become more self-reliant and active contributors to their households and communities.
Hussain further noted that this project represents a transformation of thought and empowerment, creating a bridge between technology and human development in rural Punjab.
Expanding Reach: Districts Involved in Mein Digital
The inclusion of multiple districts under the Mein Digital Phases 2 and 3 demonstrates the government’s commitment to expanding the initiative’s reach. Women from each district attended the event and received their computers to begin training immediately.
Participating Districts and Coverage
| District | Program Status | Benefit Received |
|---|---|---|
| Dera Ghazi Khan | Launch District | Free Desktops Distributed |
| Layyah | Participating | Women Selected for Training |
| Rajanpur | Participating | Women Received Computers |
| Bahawalnagar | Participating | Included in Training Initiative |
| Rahim Yar Khan | Participating | Women Joined Mein Digital |
This regional spread ensures that the benefits of Mein Digital are not concentrated in a single area but distributed widely across Punjab’s southern belt, fostering inclusivity and local participation.
From Phase 1 Success to Wider Impact
After the success of Mein Digital Phase 1, which provided rural women the opportunity to earn from home using digital tools, the launch of Phases 2 and 3 reflects the government’s confidence in scaling up the project. The first phase laid the groundwork by demonstrating how technology can empower women and connect them to freelance, e-commerce, and online learning platforms.
Now, the next phases will extend training programs, increase digital equipment distribution, and enhance home-based work opportunities, turning this pilot initiative into a province-wide movement.
Mein Digital’s Role in Pakistan’s Digital Economy
Beyond individual empowerment, Mein Digital plays a key role in Pakistan’s broader digital transformation. By training women in digital skills, the program contributes directly to digital inclusion, economic development, and social equality.
Women who complete the program will not only be able to work online but will also serve as community role models, encouraging others to adopt technology for education and business. This multiplier effect ensures that the impact of Mein Digital extends far beyond the initial 121 participants.
Moreover, as Pakistan’s digital economy continues to expand, trained individuals from rural areas will help strengthen the nation’s workforce one that is tech-savvy, inclusive, and globally competitive.
Key Insights from Mein Digital Leadership
During his address, Mirza Akbar Hussain shared a powerful message:
“This is not only a training program; it is a process of changing thinking and restoring confidence. Mein Digital is opening new digital doors for women who were previously disconnected from these opportunities.”
This quote captures the true essence of the initiative a combination of technical empowerment and emotional strength. It reflects how Mein Digital goes beyond computer training to create real social change.
Future Plans and Sustainability
The government aims to continue the Mein Digital initiative across more districts, expanding access to digital tools, internet-based work, and skill development opportunities. With the ongoing success of Phases 2 and 3, the project is expected to benefit thousands of women in the coming years, paving the way for a more equitable, technology-driven Punjab.
The integration of digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and innovation will help ensure that the results are sustainable and long-term, creating lasting social and economic impact.
Conclusion
The launch of Mein Digital Phases 2 and 3 from Dera Ghazi Khan marks a proud chapter in Punjab’s digital journey. By providing 121 rural women with free desktop computers, the program empowers them to learn, earn, and lead right from their homes.
Through fair selection, regional inclusion, and strong institutional support, Mein Digital is helping shape a new generation of confident, skilled, and digitally connected women. The initiative stands as a model of how technology, when combined with vision and commitment, can truly change lives and build a stronger, more inclusive Pakistan.
