1,000 Laptops Lost in PM’s Scheme – PAC Wants Answers Fast
On August 25, 2025, the PAC subcommittee flagged a big gap in the PM’s Laptop Scheme Phase II. It said 1,011 laptops went missing, and it issued a recovery within one month order. It also warned that losses will be recovered from responsible individuals if the devices are not found.
- Audit officials told the PAC subcommittee that 1,011 laptops were missing.
- 784 recovered devices have now been tracked, according to audit updates.
- 227 still missing laptops remain unaccounted for across institutions.
- The gap has caused a Rs. 12 million loss to public funds.
- However, no action has yet been taken against those responsible.
- Therefore, PAC members pushed for quick steps and clear accountability.
- Moreover, they want weekly progress updates until all devices are found.
HEC Investigation Findings
- The Higher Education Commission (HEC) explained the shifting numbers.
- Earlier, audits flagged 179 laptops as discrepant in university records.
- After review, that discrepancy was revised from 179 to 143 laptops.
- Meanwhile, probes continue in Karachi and at Government Sadiq College Women’s University, Bahawalpur.
- Additionally, HEC pledged tighter checks for PM’s Laptop Scheme Phase-II.
- As a result, it plans to update tracking and reporting rules for campuses.
Authorities’ Response & PAC Directive
The PAC subcommittee set a clear expectation. It issued a recovery within one month order to the relevant bodies. It also said that if recovery fails, losses will be recovered from the responsible individuals. Consequently, departments must trace each device and file proper reports. Furthermore, they must document the chain of custody and student allocations. This step aims to plug gaps that let laptops go missing.
| Category | Count / Detail |
| Laptops reported missing or stolen | 1,011 |
| Recovered laptops | 784 recovered |
| Still missing | 227 still missing |
| Estimated financial impact | Rs. 12 million loss |
| Initial discrepancy reported | 179 laptops |
| Updated discrepancy after review | 143 laptops |
| Locations under scrutiny | Karachi, Government Sadiq College Women’s University, Bahawalpur |
HEC’s Next Steps in Auditing and Recovery
HEC will keep auditing the PM’s Laptop Scheme Phase-II at the campus level. Next, it will review inventories in Karachi and the Government Sadiq College Women’s University, Bahawalpur. Then, it will verify student records and serial numbers. Also, it will align its database with vendor shipment logs. Finally, it will send weekly status briefs to the PAC subcommittee.
Public Trust At Stake In PM’s Laptop Scheme
This case is about public trust. After all, the PM’s Laptop Scheme Phase-II aims to improve learning. But when devices vanish, students and taxpayers lose. Thus, clear records, swift recovery, and fair accountability are essential. Moreover, the loss of Rs. 12 million is not a small amount for public funds. Therefore, the PAC subcommittee wants proof of progress, not vague replies.
Risks And Accountability
Because 227 devices are still missing, the risks are not over. For instance, resale markets may absorb the laptops. Also, weak tracking invites repeat problems in future phases. So, the response must go beyond quick fixes. It should include better tagging, verified handovers, and exit checks. In addition, campuses should run spot audits each term. Likewise, any discrepancy revised from 179 to 143 laptops should trigger a root-cause review. That way, HEC can address process gaps, not just the symptoms.
What Schools Can Do Now
- Confirm asset logs: Match serial numbers with student IDs and dates.
- Lock loss windows: Require sign-off at allocation and return points.
- Track repairs: Record service tickets to avoid duplicate “missing” flags.
- Report weekly: Share reconciled lists with HEC and the PAC subcommittee.
- Alert authorities: Escalate any theft or fraud signs immediately.
What Students Should Know
- Keep receipts: Save your allocation email or form as proof.
- Report issues fast: Tell your department if your device is faulty or lost.
- Follow rules: Do not trade or resell devices tied to your ID.
- Protect data: Use passwords and report any security concerns.
- Return on time: Close out records when you graduate or transfer.
PAC’s One-Month Test For Recovery
Right now, 784 recovered laptops show that recovery is possible. Yet 227 devices are still missing, and the work is not done. Therefore, the recovery of a month’s order is a strong test. If authorities meet it, students and taxpayers will see progress. If not, losses must be recovered from the responsible individuals. In the end, HEC, universities, and the PAC subcommittee share the duty to fix this. With clear steps, the Rs. 12 million loss can stop growing. With tougher controls, Phase II can meet its promise for students.
