Due to the economic challenges facing Pakistan, the Government of Punjab has announced a major initiative to encourage business activity and strengthen the provincial economy. This program, named the “Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme” (آسان کاروبار فنانس سکیم ), aims to provide best business opportunities for entrepreneurs and support the establishment of new startups.
The key highlight? Interest-free loans of up to PKR 30 million (3 Crore)!
What is the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme?
The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme is the first-of-its-kind, multi-million rupee program launched by the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, and recently approved in the 22nd Provincial Cabinet Meeting on January 14, 2025.
The scheme offers 100% interest-free financial support of up to PKR 30 million to entrepreneurs across various key sectors, including agriculture and SMEs. The main goal is to drive rapid economic development, significantly boost exports, and create thousands of new jobs.
Chief Minister of Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, also announced the provision of free land for this scheme and set an ambitious target: establishing 100,000 business startups in Punjab.
- Loan Amount: Up to PKR 30 Million (3 Crore)
- Interest Rate: 0% (Interest-Free)
- Loan Tenor: Up to 5 Years
- Processing: Easy, digitized processing
The CM Punjab also approved the launch of the “Asaan Karobar Card” (Asaan Business Card) to facilitate small entrepreneurs with separate interest-free loans up to PKR 1 million.
Objectives and Benefits Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme
This scheme is a comprehensive approach to financial empowerment and economic growth, focusing on several key areas:
Objectives
- Boosting overall economic growth and development.
- Significantly increasing exports and creating more job opportunities.
- Empowering Small and Medium-sized Entrepreneurs (SMEs).
- Providing startup funding for new business ventures.
- Modernizing existing operations and business setups.
- Promoting climate-friendly businesses using Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) Technologies.
Financial Benefits & Incentives
- Interest-Free Loan: Up to PKR 30 Million.
- Capital Subsidy: PKR 5 million for solar equipment and production technologies.
- Lease Incentives: Long-term leases of up to 30 years to reduce high land acquisition costs.
- Advisory Services: Non-financial advisory support for developing new small industrial estates.
Eligibility Criteria for Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme
The scheme is open to all sectors, including Agriculture and SMEs, provided applicants meet the following mandatory criteria:
- Age Limit: Must be between 25 and 55 years of age.
- Residency: Must be a resident of and operate the business within Punjab.
- Tax Filer: Must be an active FBR tax filer and possess a valid NTN.
- Credit History: Must have a clean credit history.
- Business Status: Must own or rent the current place of business.
- Documentation: Valid CNIC is required.
- SME Classification:
- Small Enterprises (SE): Annual sales up to PKR 150 Million.
- Medium Enterprises (ME): Annual sales between PKR 150 Million and PKR 800 Million.
Loan Details and Tiers
The scheme is structured into two tiers based on the required loan amount and security requirements:
| Feature | Tier-1 (T1) | Tier-2 (T2) |
| Loan Amount (PKR) | 1 Million to 5 Million | 6 Million to 30 Million |
| Security | Personal Guarantee (Unsecured) | Secured |
| Tenure | Up to 5 Years | Up to 5 Years |
| End-User Rate | 0% | 0% |
| Processing Fee | PKR 5,000 | PKR 10,000 |
Equity Contribution
- T1 (Non-Vehicle): 0%
- Leased Commercial Vehicles: 25% (Applicable to both Tiers)
- T2 (Other Loans): 20%
- Concessional Equity: 10% for females, transgender, and differently-abled persons.
Additional Costs
- Handling Fee (New Business): NIL
- Handling Fee (Existing Business): 3% p.a.
- Handling Fee (Climate-Friendly Business – T2 only): NIL p.a.
- Other Costs: Insurance, legal, and registration charges apply as per actual costs.
Grace Period: Up to 6 months for startups/new businesses, and up to 3 months for existing businesses before repayment begins.
How to Apply for Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme Online (7 Steps)
The entire application process is online and user-friendly. Just follow these simple steps to submit your application smoothly:
Step 01: Click & Acknowledge
- Click the “Apply for Assan Karobar Finance” button (once officially active).
- Read the instructions carefully and click “Acknowledge & Proceed” to start.
Step 02: Profile Information (Registration)
- Provide complete personal details: Name, Father/Husband Name, CNIC, Email, DOB, Age, Gender, Mobile Number (registered in your name), Residential Address.
- Enter your NTN Number and create a password.
- Double-check your personal information, as it cannot be changed after registration. Click “Register” and then log in.
Step 03: Loan Details
- Provide details about your business: Date of Establishment and the Tier (Tier-1 or Tier-2) you are applying for.
- Enter the Required Loan Amount and Tenor of the Loan.
- Provide your detailed Credit History. Click “Save” and “Next.”
Step 04: Business Details
- Enter the business’s Name, Contacts, Email, Number of Employees, and other related information. Click “Save” and “Next.”
Step 05: Financial Details
- Provide information on the Purpose of your Business, its Nature, and its Financial Status. Click “Save” and “Next.”
Step 06: References
- Provide details for your references (individuals who are NOT blood relatives/next of kin). Click “Save” and “Next.”
Step 07: Documentation
- Upload all the required documents.
- Finally, click the “Submit” button to successfully complete and send your application.
Helpline Information
For any queries or assistance regarding the scheme, you can contact the official helpline:
Helpline Number: 1786
The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme is a landmark initiative by the Government of Punjab to inject crucial, interest-free capital into the province’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By offering substantial loans of up to PKR 30 million with simple eligibility and easy, digitized processing, the scheme promises to:
- Empower thousands of entrepreneurs and small businesses.
- Modernize existing operations.
- Set a new trajectory for economic growth and job creation in Punjab.
While the official application link is yet to be fully activated, prospective applicants are advised to prepare their CNIC, NTN, and necessary business documents to be ready to apply as soon as the portal is fully operational.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme
How much loan can I get, and is it interest-free?
You can get a loan of up to PKR 30 Million (3 Crore). The scheme provides 100% interest-free financing, meaning the end-user rate is 0%.
What are the objectives of the Punjab Asaan Karobar Scheme?
The primary objectives are to:
- Boost economic growth and development across Punjab.
- Increase exports and create job opportunities.
- Empower small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (SMEs).
- Provide startup funding for new entrepreneurs establishing new businesses.
- Modernize and empower existing operations.
- Promote climate-friendly businesses.
What are the eligibility criteria for the scheme?
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 25 and 55 years.
- Be residents of and operate their businesses in Punjab.
- Possess a valid CNIC and NTN.
- Be an active FBR tax filer.
- Have a clean credit history.
- Own or rent the place of the existing business.
- Meet the sales criteria for Small Enterprises (up to PKR 150M) or Medium Enterprises (PKR 150M – PKR 800M).
What is the last date to Apply for Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme?
The provided information does not specify an official last date for the application. Applicants must stay updated with official Punjab Government sources for the deadline.
What is the age limit to apply for this scheme?
The age limit for applicants is between 25 and 55 years.
What is the helpline number of the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme?
The official Helpline Number is 1786.
How can I check my application status?
You check your application status by logging back into the online portal where you completed and submitted the application. The digitized process ensures you can track the progress of your submission there.
