CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance 2025: Apply Online Now!
Starting or expanding a business in today’s economy can feel impossible without access to capital. Recognizing this challenge, the Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, has launched the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme (AKF) — a landmark program that provides interest-free loans of up to Rs. 30 million to entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs across Punjab.
This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme 2025 — including eligibility, loan tiers, application process, benefits, disbursement stats, and step-by-step instructions to apply online via the official government portal.
What Is the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme?
The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme is Punjab’s flagship initiative to promote entrepreneurship, job creation, and economic growth by giving access to zero-interest financing.
- Approved in January 2025 during the 22nd Provincial Cabinet Meeting.
- Provides loans from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 30 million.
- Covers startups, existing businesses, SMEs, and agricultural ventures.
- Includes special incentives for women, transgender persons, and differently-abled entrepreneurs.
- Backed by Punjab Government with support from Punjab Small Industries Corporation.
📌 Official Source: Government of Punjab — Asaan Karobar Finance
👉 In short: it’s not just a loan scheme — it’s a business empowerment program designed to create 100,000+ startups in Punjab.
Finance vs. Card: Two Schemes, One Goal
The Punjab Government has launched two complementary programs under the Asaan Karobar umbrella:
| Feature | Asaan Karobar Finance (AKF) | Asaan Karobar Card (AKC) |
|---|---|---|
| Loan Amount | Rs. 1m – Rs. 30m | Up to Rs. 1m |
| Interest Rate | 0% (interest-free) | 0% (interest-free) |
| Tenure | Up to 5 years | Up to 3 years |
| Purpose | SMEs, startups, agriculture, expansion | Micro-businesses & small entrepreneurs |
| Collateral | Tier-1: Personal guarantee; Tier-2: Secured | Digital allocation via card |
| Special Features | Grace period (3–6 months), equity subsidy | Digital disbursement, focus on women & youth |
| Target Beneficiaries | Small & medium enterprises, agriculture, logistics | 100,000 small businesses across Punjab |
📌 Official Source: Punjab Government — Asaan Karobar Card
👉 The Finance Scheme supports medium to large SMEs and startups, while the Card Scheme provides quick relief for micro-businesses.
Asaan Karobar Finance (Eligibility Criteria)
To ensure fair access, the Punjab Government has defined clear eligibility rules:
- Age: 25–55 years.
- Identification: Must hold a valid CNIC.
- Tax Compliance: Active NTN holder and FBR tax filer (FBR official site).
- Business Location: Must be a resident of Punjab and business must operate in Punjab.
- Business Category:
- Small Enterprises with annual sales up to Rs. 150 million.
- Medium Enterprises with annual sales up to Rs. 800 million.
- Credit History: Must have a clean record with no loan defaults.
- Ownership: Business premises may be owned or rented.
👉 Special preference is given to female entrepreneurs, differently-abled persons, and transgender applicants, who enjoy lower equity contribution requirements.
Loan Details: Tiers, Terms, and Costs
The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme is structured into two tiers:
Tier-1 (T1) — Small Loans
- Amount: Rs. 1–5 million
- Security: Personal guarantee
- Tenure: Up to 5 years
- Interest Rate: 0%
- Processing Fee: Rs. 5,000
- Equity Contribution: 0% (except leased vehicles: 25%)
Tier-2 (T2) — Medium Loans
- Amount: Rs. 6–30 million
- Security: Secured loans (collateral required)
- Tenure: Up to 5 years
- Interest Rate: 0%
- Processing Fee: Rs. 10,000
- Equity Contribution:
- 20% for general applicants
- 10% for women, transgender, and differently-abled persons
Additional Terms
- Grace Period:
- 6 months for startups
- 3 months for existing businesses
- Repayment: Equal monthly installments
- Late Charges: Rs. 1 per 1,000/day on overdue amounts
- Additional Costs:
- NIL for new businesses
- 3% p.a. for existing businesses
- NIL for climate-friendly (RECP) businesses under T2
👉 This flexible structure makes AKF one of the most inclusive loan schemes in Pakistan’s history.
Asaan Karobar Finance – Incentives and Benefits
The scheme isn’t just about financing — it includes extra incentives to promote modern, sustainable businesses:
- Capital subsidy of Rs. 5 million for solar and green production technologies.
- Non-financial advisory services for SMEs.
- Industrial land access with leases up to 30 years (reducing acquisition costs).
- Startup support including feasibility planning and mentoring via Punjab Small Industries Corporation.
📌 Official Source: Punjab Small Industries Corporation
How to Apply Online For Asaan Karobar Finance (Step-by-Step)
Applying for the scheme is simple and fully digital via the official portal.
Apply here: akf.punjab.gov.pk
Step 1 — Register an Account
- Click “Apply for Asaan Karobar Finance”.
- Provide CNIC, NTN, personal details, and contact info.
- Create login credentials.
Step 2 — Profile Setup
- Fill in applicant name, father’s name, DOB, CNIC, email, phone, residential address.
- Enter NTN and FBR filer status.
- Save and proceed.
Step 3 — Loan Details
- Choose loan tier (T1 or T2).
- Enter loan amount, purpose, tenor, and business establishment date.
- Declare credit history.
Step 4 — Business Information
- Provide business name, type, number of employees, and sector.
Step 5 — Financial Information
- State purpose of loan (expansion/startup/green project).
- Provide annual turnover and other relevant details.
Step 6 — References
- Add details of two non-relative references.
Step 7 — Documentation
- Upload scanned documents (CNIC, NTN, business registration, bank statement).
- Submit application.
👉 Pro tip: Double-check all information before submission — changes cannot be made later.
Real-World Impact: Disbursement Stats
Since its launch in early 2025, the scheme has already shown impressive results:
- Rs. 61 billion disbursed across Punjab.
- 107,000 beneficiaries so far.
- 6,700+ women entrepreneurs financed.
- Multiple startups in agriculture, logistics, and renewable energy have launched.
📌 Source: Azag Punjab Government News Report
👉 This is more than just numbers — it’s lives changed and businesses built.
Why It Matters: Bigger Picture for Punjab’s Economy
The Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme supports Punjab’s broader economic revival plan by:
- Creating new jobs and reducing unemployment.
- Empowering SMEs and startups that drive GDP growth.
- Promoting climate-friendly businesses through green financing.
- Ensuring financial inclusion for women, transgender persons, and differently-abled individuals.
- Strengthening export-oriented industries like textiles, sports goods, and IT.
CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme 2025 (Helpline)
FAQs About Asaan Karobar Finance
Q1: What is the maximum loan amount under the scheme?
You can get up to Rs. 30 million under Tier-2 with zero interest, subject to eligibility.
Q2: Is the loan really interest-free?
Yes, the scheme is 100% interest-free (0% markup). Applicants only pay processing fees and minimal equity contributions.
Q3: What is the grace period for repayment?
Startups enjoy a 6-month grace period, while existing businesses get 3 months.
Q4: Can women and differently-abled entrepreneurs apply?
Yes. In fact, they get reduced equity requirements (10%) to encourage inclusion.
Q5: How do I apply?
Applications are submitted online at akf.punjab.gov.pk by registering, filling personal/business details, and uploading documents.
Q6: What documents are required?
You need CNIC, NTN, FBR filer proof, business registration certificate, and bank statement.
Q7: Is there a helpline?
Yes, you can call the official helpline 1786 for queries.
Conclusion (Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme 2025)
The CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme 2025 is more than just a financing facility — it is a transformational economic program aimed at building a culture of entrepreneurship in Punjab. With loans up to Rs. 30 million, a completely interest-free structure, and special incentives for women and inclusive groups, it sets the foundation for a stronger, more resilient economy.
If you’re an entrepreneur or SME in Punjab, this is your chance to grow your business without the burden of interest. Apply today via the official portal and become part of Punjab’s journey toward economic empowerment.