Punjab Launches CM Asaan Karobar Loan Scheme to Boost Entrepreneurship
The Punjab government has introduced the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Loan Scheme, a flagship program spearheaded by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and budding entrepreneurs across the province.
The initiative aims to provide interest-free financing, encourage entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities, and foster sustainable economic growth. Special emphasis has been placed on empowering women, youth, rural entrepreneurs, and marginalized communities, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder innovative business ideas.
Loan Facilities
Also known as the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme, the program offers loans under two primary categories, along with an exclusive Asaan Karobar Card:
Tier-1: Unsecured loans of up to PKR 5 million requiring only a personal guarantee.
Tier-2: Secured loans ranging from PKR 6 million to PKR 30 million backed by collateral.
Asaan Karobar Card: Provides quick financing of up to PKR 1 million without collateral.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be residents of Punjab with a valid CNIC.
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Aged between 25 and 55 years.
Submit a viable business plan or expansion proposal.
Existing businesses must provide proof of registration and operational history.
Maintain a clean credit history.
Preference will be extended to women, youth, differently-abled persons, and rural entrepreneurs.
Application Process
Applications can be submitted online through the official CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Scheme portal, where applicants may select their desired financing tier. Required documents include CNIC, business plan, financial statements (for existing businesses), collateral details (for Tier-2), and passport-size photographs.
A processing fee of PKR 5,000 (Tier-1) and PKR 10,000 (Tier-2) applies. Upon approval, loan amounts will be directly transferred into the applicant’s bank account.
The scheme marks a major step by the Punjab government to support entrepreneurship, strengthen SMEs, and provide equal economic opportunities across the province.