CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Finance Program

Apply online through the BOP / PSIC Portal. You will need a detailed business plan, CNIC, and references. Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview and business site visit.

The program runs in two tracks:

Asaan Karobar Finance (AKF) — For Bigger Businesses

Tier 1 offers Rs. 1 million to Rs. 5 million with a Rs. 5,000 processing fee. Tier 2 covers Rs. 6 million to Rs. 30 million with a Rs. 10,000 processing fee. Both tiers carry a 0% interest rate with a repayment tenure of up to five years. Gotest

No collateral is needed for Tier 1 — just a personal guarantee. Tier 2 requires some security, which can be property documents or government securities.

Asaan Karobar Card (AKC) — For Smaller Entrepreneurs

The card scheme offers interest-free loans of up to Rs. 1 million through a digital SME card, supporting small entrepreneurs in Punjab to grow and sustain their businesses through digital channels like mobile apps and POS systems. Punjab Portal

So in total, depending on your business size, you can access anywhere from Rs. 1 million to Rs. 30 million — all at zero cost to you in interest.

Your business must be located in Punjab. Applicants are generally expected to be between 25 and 55 years of age, must be a registered and active tax filer with the FBR holding a valid NTN, and must have a clean credit history with no defaults. 8171 Web Portal

A few more things worth knowing before you sit down to apply:

• Your mobile number must be registered under your CNIC — not a family member's, not a friend's. Yours.
• You'll need two references who are not blood relatives (their CNIC copies and numbers)
• One application per CNIC. Submitting multiple times doesn't improve your odds — it just complicates your file.
• Women, transgender individuals, and people with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply and get reduced equity requirements under Tier 2.

You'll need to provide a copy of your rent agreement, registry, or transfer letter for your business and residence addresses. The application fee is non-refundable — Rs. 5,000 for Tier 1 and Rs. 10,000 for Tier 2. CM Punjab Program

Beyond those basics, have these ready:

• Valid CNIC
• NTN and active FBR tax filer proof
• Business plan or feasibility report (the more realistic the numbers, the better your chances)
• Recent bank statements
• Latest tax return for your business
• Property/security documents (for Tier 2 only)

No queues. No office visits. The whole process is online.

Create your account on akf.punjab.gov.pk, complete the form with personal details, business information, your chosen loan tier, and the requested amount, then upload your documents and pay the processing fee. After submission, the Bank of Punjab reviews your feasibility, credit history, and security before approval and disbursement. isi.org.pk

For the Asaan Karobar Card, the portal is akc.punjab.gov.pk — same process, different platform.

Approval typically takes two to four weeks from document submission, depending on how complete your file is. A vague business plan or a missing document can push that timeline out significantly.

Funds are disbursed in tranches, not all at once. You'll repay in equal monthly instalments over five years. New startups get a grace period before repayments begin — existing businesses generally don't.

For the Asaan Karobar Card, funds can only be used for business-related activities — non-business transactions are blocked. Cardholders must register with PRA or FBR within six months of card issuance. Asaankarobarfinancescheme

Late payments attract a penalty of Rs. 1 per Rs. 1,000 per day on overdue amounts. It's modest, but it adds up. Stay on top of your instalments.

The Government of Punjab is planning to launch Phase 2 in the fiscal year 2025–26 with an extended scope of Rs. 100 billion, aimed at accommodating 24,000 additional SMEs with total loan disbursements set at Rs. 379 billion. Asaankarobarfinancescheme

Phase 2 also raises the Tier 2 ceiling to Rs. 50 million for qualifying sectors and adds special incentives for renewable energy and clean tech businesses.