The Punjab government has introduced groundbreaking initiatives to boost business activities in the province. Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched the “CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance” and “Asaan Karobar Card” schemes, aiming to promote small and medium enterprise (SME) businesses.
At the inauguration ceremony, Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme will provide interest-free loans ranging from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 3 crore. The repayment process has been made convenient with easy installment plans. Additionally, loans between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh can be availed through the Asaan Karobar Card. Interested individuals can apply online and access further details via the helpline 1786.
She emphasized the transformative potential of these schemes, describing them as revolutionary steps for the economic upliftment of Punjab and Pakistan. According to her, SMEs are the backbone of the economy, and these schemes will make launching businesses simpler than ever. The government will also offer land at subsidized rates for small business startups.
This is the first time in Punjab’s history that loans up to Rs 3 crore are being provided entirely interest-free. No NOCs, licenses, or approvals are required to secure these loans—interested applicants can start their businesses immediately after obtaining the funds. These loans will be disbursed through the Bank of Punjab.
In addition to supporting SMEs, incentives will be provided for industries in export processing zones to boost exports. Entrepreneurs aspiring to establish industries in these zones will receive solar systems worth Rs 50 lakh free of cost. Maryam Nawaz highlighted that these schemes will create new opportunities for SMEs, enabling young entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and contribute to Punjab’s prosperity and the nation’s economic development.
