The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme, launched by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in January 2025, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Punjab. By offering interest-free loans and comprehensive support, the scheme seeks to stimulate economic growth, foster entrepreneurship, and create employment opportunities throughout the province. 

 

 

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💼 Scheme Overview 

 

The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme provides two primary financial instruments: 

 

1. Asaan Karobar Finance (AKF) Loans: Designed for SMEs seeking substantial funding for business establishment, expansion, or modernization. 

 

 

2. Asaan Karobar Card (AKC): A digital revolving credit facility tailored for small entrepreneurs to manage day-to-day business expenses. 

 

 

 

 

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🏦 Loan Details

 

Asaan Karobar Finance (AKF) Loans

 

Tier 1 (T1):

 

Amount: PKR 1 million to PKR 5 million

 

Security: Personal Guarantee

 

Tenure: Up to 5 years

 

Interest Rate: 0%

 

Processing Fee: PKR 5,000 

 

 

Tier 2 (T2):

 

Amount: PKR 6 million to PKR 30 million

 

Security: Secured (e.g., property collateral)

 

Tenure: Up to 5 years

 

Interest Rate: 0%

 

Processing Fee: PKR 10,000 

 

 

 

Asaan Karobar Card (AKC)

 

Credit Limit: Up to PKR 1 million

 

Tenure: 3 years

 

Grace Period: 3 months from card issuance

 

Repayment: 24 equal monthly installments after the first year

 

Usage: Vendor payments, utility bills, government fees, and limited cash withdrawals (up to 25% of the limit)

 

Interest Rate: 0%

 

Annual Card Fee: PKR 25,000 + FED (deducted from approved limit) 

 

 

 

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✅ Eligibility Criteria

 

Applicants must meet the following conditions:

 

Age: 21 to 57 years

 

Residency: Resident of Punjab

 

Business Location: Business must be located in Punjab

 

Identification: Valid CNIC and registered mobile number

 

Tax Compliance: Active FBR tax filer with a clean credit history

 

Business Premises: Ownership or rental agreement for business and residence 

 

 

 

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📄 Required Documents

 

Before applying, ensure you have:

 

Scanned copies of CNIC and a passport-size photograph

 

Proof of tax filing

 

Business income and expense details

 

Rent agreement or property documents for business and residence

 

CNIC copies and contact details of two references (non-relatives) 

 

 

 

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📝 Application Process

 

1. Registration: Visit the official portal and sign up using your CNIC-linked mobile number. 

 

 

2. Form Completion: Fill out the application form, which takes approximately 15 minutes. 

 

 

3. Document Upload: Upload the required documents. 

 

 

4. Fee Payment: Pay the non-refundable processing fee (PKR 5,000 for T1 or PKR 10,000 for T2). 

 

 

5. Submission: Submit the application and receive a registration number. 

 

 

6. Tracking: Monitor your application status via SMS updates or the portal. 

 

 

 

 

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🌟 Additional Incentives

 

Capital Subsidy: Up to PKR 5 million for adopting solar equipment and cleaner production technologies. 

 

Non-Financial Support: Advisory services and feasibility studies available through PSIC and BOP websites. 

 

Infrastructure Development: Establishment of small industrial estates in Sialkot, Gujrat, and Quaidabad, offering affordable plots with long-term leases (up to 30 years). 

 

Environmental Initiatives: Creation of a dedicated Tannery Zone in Sialkot to reduce water pollution and enhance leather export quality. 

 

 

 

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📞 Support and Assistance

 

For further information or assistance:

 

Helpline: Call 1786

 

Official Websites:

 

Asaan Karobar Finance

 

Asaan Karobar Card 

 

 

 

 

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The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme represents a significant step by

the Punjab government to bolster the SME sector, providing entrepreneurs with the necessary financial tools and support to thrive in today’s competitive market.