The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched an impactful initiative aimed at strengthening the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector across the province. Known as the Asaan Karobar Card and Finance Scheme, this program seeks to empower aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners by providing them with interest-free financial support, simplified application procedures, and wide-ranging economic benefits.
What Is the Asaan Karobar Scheme?
The Asaan Karobar Scheme is a groundbreaking financial support plan introduced by the Punjab government. It aims to remove the financial barriers that often discourage people from starting or expanding their businesses. This scheme operates through two main components:
- With the Asaan Karobar Card, you can borrow up to PKR 1 million for a short time and pay it back without interest.
- Asaan Karobar Finance – Provides larger, interest-free loans up to PKR 30 million, tailored for more established SMEs with growth potential.
Both facilities are designed to ease cash flow and enable operational efficiency for business owners in Punjab.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Interest-Free Loans: One of the most attractive features is the complete exemption from interest. Entrepreneurs can borrow up to PKR 1 million under the Karobar Card and up to PKR 30 million under the Finance Scheme without incurring any mark-up charges.
- Flexible Repayment Period: Borrowers have up to three years to repay the loan. The repayment schedule includes a 3-month grace period, a one-year revolving credit facility (for Karobar Card holders), and a structured repayment plan with 24 equal monthly installments.
- The application process has undergone significant simplification. Applicants are not required to present any no-objection certificates (NOCs), building plans, or commercial licences. The change eliminates bureaucratic delays and allows faster loan approvals.
- Online Application Portal: Citizens can apply digitally through the official Punjab government portal at akc.punjab.gov.pk. This change ensures transparency, ease of access, and swift processing.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for financial assistance through the Asaan Karobar Scheme, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- The applicant must be a resident of Punjab and a national of Pakistan.
- Age must range between 21 and 57 years at the time of application.
- You must hold a valid computerised National Identity Card (CNIC).
- Must have a business established in Punjab or plan to start one within the province.
- You must have a credit history free of any defaults or overdue loans.
- Two references (non-relatives) are required to validate the application.
- A processing fee of PKR 500 (non-refundable) is applicable for each application.
Deadline and Next Phase
The first round of applications for the plan ended on March 31, 2025. However, owing to the overwhelming response and success of the pilot phase, the Punjab government has announced plans for a second phase during the fiscal year 2025–26. It is expected that over 24,000 businesses will benefit from the new phase, with loan distributions estimated to exceed PKR 379 billion.
Why This Scheme Matters
The Asaan Karobar Card and Finance Scheme is not just about financial relief — it’s a transformative step toward reshaping Punjab’s economic landscape. This new programme will likely have the following benefits:
- Boost to Entrepreneurship: The scheme enables thousands of new entrepreneurs to bring their business ideas to life without the burden of interest payments.
- Job Creation: By supporting small businesses, the program indirectly creates thousands of jobs, especially for youth and women.
- Formalization of the Economy: Easier access to finance encourages informal businesses to register formally, increasing government revenues through taxation.
- Promotion of Financial Inclusion: This initiative bridges the financial gap for low-income groups and individuals traditionally excluded from the banking sector.
Government’s Long-Term Vision
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has stressed how important it is for economic growth at the local level. Through this scheme, her administration hopes to cultivate a self-reliant, business-friendly environment across Punjab where young people are encouraged to innovate and build their own enterprises.
Over time, the Asaan Karobar programme will build a strong network of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs). These businesses will form the foundation of Punjab’s robust and diverse economy.
Want to Apply? Here’s How
- Visit the official portal: akc.punjab.gov.pk
- Register using your CNIC details.
- Fill out the application form with information about yourself and your business. Please upload the necessary documents.
- Please proceed with the payment of the processing fee and submit your application for review.