Are you a budding entrepreneur in Punjab with a great business idea but limited capital? Or perhaps you're a small business owner looking to expand? The Government of Punjab, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, has launched two revolutionary initiatives to solve your financial woes: the Asan Karobar Card and the Asan Karobar Finance Scheme.

These schemes are designed to provide "easy business" (Asan Karobar) solutions, offering interest-free and subsidized loans to help you stand on your own feet. Here is everything you need to know about eligibility, loan limits, and how to apply via the official websites.

1. Asan Karobar Card (Easy Business Card)

The Asan Karobar Card is a first-of-its-kind digital credit facility in Pakistan, functioning similarly to a credit card but specifically for business expenses. It is strictly interest-free, making it a game-changer for small vendors, shopkeepers, and startups.

Key Features:

• Loan Limit: Up to PKR 10 Lakh (1 Million).
• Interest Rate: 0% Markup (Completely Interest-Free).
• Credit Type: Revolving credit facility. This means you can use the amount, repay it, and use it again within the validity period.
• Usage:
• Digital payments to suppliers and vendors.
• Utility bill payments.
• Cash Withdrawal: Up to 25% of the limit can be withdrawn as cash for petty expenses.
• Repayment Terms: The card limit is valid for 12 months. After the first year, the utilized amount can be repaid in 24 easy monthly installments.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Residency: Permanent resident of Punjab (verified via CNIC).
• Age: Between 21 and 57 years.
• Credit History: Must have a clean credit history (no defaults).
• Business: Must have an existing small business or a viable plan to start one.

2. Asan Karobar Finance Scheme

While the Card is for day-to-day expenses, the Asan Karobar Finance Scheme is a broader loan program designed for setting up new businesses or expanding medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Loan Tiers & Limits:

This scheme is divided into three tiers to cater to different business sizes:

• Tier 1 (Micro Loans):
• Amount: Up to PKR 1 Million (10 Lakh).
• Markup: 0% (Interest-Free).
• Requirement: Personal guarantee only (no heavy collateral).
• Tier 2 (Small Business):
• Amount: From PKR 1 Million to 5 Million.
• Markup: Low, subsidized markup rates.
• Tier 3 (Medium Enterprise):
• Amount: From PKR 5 Million to 30 Million (3 Crore).
• Markup: Competitive subsidized rates.
• Requirement: Collateral/Security required as per Bank of Punjab (BOP) policy.

Read More: BISP December 2025 Update: New Payments, Eligibility, and Digital Wallet System

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

The Government of Punjab has digitized the entire process to ensure transparency. You do not need to visit government offices or pay agents.

Where to Apply?

• Official Portal: Applications are processed through the Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) portal or the Bank of Punjab (BOP) website.
• Direct Links (Verify before applying):
• Bank of Punjab (BOP) Official Website
• Punjab Rozgar / PSIC Portal
• Note: Specific sub-portals like akc.punjab.gov.pk may be used for the Card scheme.

Application Process:

1. Register Online: Visit the official portal and create an account using your CNIC, Mobile Number, and Email.
2. Fill the Form: Complete the online application form with personal details, business details, and financial history.
3. Upload Documents: Scan and upload the required documents:

• Valid CNIC (Front & Back).
• Passport-sized photograph.
• Business Plan (A short description of what you will do with the money).
• Proof of Business Location (Utility bill or Tenancy agreement).

1. Pay Processing Fee: A non-refundable processing fee (approx. PKR 500 - PKR 2,000) must be paid digitally or at a BOP branch.
2. Submit: Submit your application. You will receive an SMS confirmation.

Important Tips & Latest Updates (2024-2025)

• Women Empowerment: Special priority is given to female entrepreneurs, with easier approval processes and dedicated quotas.
• No Hidden Agents: The government has strictly advised not to pay any money to "agents" promising guaranteed loans. The only fee is the official processing fee paid to the bank.
• Verification: After submission, a team (often from The Urban Unit or PSIC) may visit your business site for physical verification. Ensure your provided address is correct.
• Helpline: For queries, you can often contact the 1786 helpline or the Bank of Punjab customer support.

(Disclaimer: Loan terms, markup rates, and fees are subject to change by the Government of Punjab and the State Bank of Pakistan. Always confirm the latest details on the official BOP or Punjab Government websites before applying.)