Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the successful completion of the first phase of the Asaan Karobar Finance and Asaan Karobar Card schemes, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth across the province.
Under the first phase, a total of 4,238 beneficiaries received interest-free loans amounting to Rs. 16.31 billion. Officials said that within just six months, interest-free loans worth Rs. 70 billion have already been disbursed to small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Through the Asaan Karobar Card and Finance schemes, 108,371 entrepreneurs have so far received financial assistance. This includes 203 women entrepreneurs, who were provided Rs. 1.82 billion to support and expand their businesses.
Sector-wise, the agriculture sector received the largest share, with Rs. 403 billion disbursed, followed by the trade sector with Rs. 33.8 billion, the transport sector with Rs. 4.27 billion, and manufacturing and other sectors receiving Rs. 6.3 billion.
According to officials, the second phase of the scheme will see the disbursement of an additional Rs. 90 billion in interest-free loans. On the chief minister’s directives, four special schemes have also been launched to further simplify access to business financing and stimulate economic activity. These include separate initiatives for North, Central, and South Punjab.
In addition, under the Asaan Karobar initiative, export finance for SMEs will offer interest-free loans of up to Rs. 50 million. Meanwhile, the Asaan Karobar Card scheme has already issued 104,131 cards, through which Rs. 44 billion in loans have been provided.
The provincial government says the initiative is designed to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen SMEs, and create sustainable economic opportunities across Punjab.
