In January 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz launched the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme to support entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses across Punjab.
The scheme has two main parts:
Finance Loans (Tier-1 and Tier-2) – interest-free loans up to PKR 30 million for SMEs.
Karobar Card – a digital loan card offering interest-free loans up to PKR 1 million.
This initiative is considered the largest business finance program in Punjab, targeting job creation, economic revival and inclusive growth.
Objectives
Goal
Details
Boost Entrepreneurship
Provide capital to startups and SMEs lacking collateral or credit history
Job Creation
Support businesses that generate employment
Inclusive Access
Prioritize women, youth, rural, disabled and marginalized entrepreneurs
Economic Growth
Strengthen Punjab’s business ecosystem with fair financing
Benefits and Features
Feature
Finance Loans (Tier-1 & Tier-2)
Karobar Card
Loan Size
Up to PKR 30 million
Up to PKR 1 million
Interest
0% (government subsidized)
0% (government subsidized)
Tenure
Up to 5 years with grace period (6 months for new businesses, 3 months for existing)
All entrepreneurs with focus on women, youth, rural and disabled
Micro startups and very small businesses
Eligibility Criteria
Criteria
Requirement
Residency
Must be a Punjab resident with valid CNIC
Age Limit
25 – 55 years
Business Type
Startup with feasible plan or existing registered business
Tax Status
Active taxpayer (NTN)
Credit History
No previous loan defaults
Special Priority
Women, youth, differently abled, rural applicants
Required Documents
Document
Purpose
CNIC copy + passport photo
Identity verification
Business Plan / Proposal
For new startups or expansion projects
Financial Statements
For existing businesses
Rent Agreement or Property Title
Proof of business premises and residence
Collateral Documents (Tier-2)
Property deed, valuation, ownership proof
References
Two CNICs and mobile numbers (non-relatives)
Tax Certificate (NTN)
Proof of filer status
Processing Fee
PKR 5,000 for Tier-1
PKR 10,000 for Tier-2 (paid into PSIC designated account, non-refundable)
Application Process
Step
Action
1
Choose stream: Finance Loan or Karobar Card
2
Visit portal: akf.punjab.gov.pk (Finance) or akc.punjab.gov.pk (Card)
3
Register and complete online form (upload documents)
4
Pay processing fee via PSIC account
5
Track status on portal after submission
6
Loan amount is disbursed to bank account if approved
Support: Toll-free helpline 1786 and PSIC service centers are available for assistance.
Deadlines and Phases
Phase
Timeline
Details
Phase I
January 2025
Scheme launched and applications open
Phase II
Later in 2025
Additional PKR 90 billion allocated, targeting 5,500 businesses
Partners and Stakeholders
Stakeholder
Role
Punjab Government
Oversight and subsidy support
Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC)
Program management and disbursement
Banks (BOP, NBP, HBL, UBL, MCB, others)
Loan processing and distribution
Punjab IT Board (PITB)
Digital infrastructure for portals
Loan Terms and Conditions
Condition
Details
Interest Rate
0% for end-users
Security
Tier-1: Personal guarantee / Tier-2: Property collateral
Equity
Tier-2: 20% equity (reduced to 0 – 10% for women, transgender, disabled)
Repayment
Equal monthly instalments up to 5 years
Grace Period
6 months for startups, 3 months for existing businesses
Misuse of Funds
Loans must be used only for approved purposes
Note: Please note that the listings provided on this website are sourced from various newspapers and online platforms. We do not guarantee the accuracy, authenticity, or validity of the information provided in these listings. Users are advised to verify the details of the listings independently before applying. Our organization is not responsible for any discrepancies or inaccuracies in the job listings.
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