The Government of Punjab has launched the groundbreaking Chief Minister’s Asaan Karobar Support Card in 2025, representing a transformative initiative aimed at empowering small businesses and supporting economically disadvantaged families across the province.
This flagship program under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif provides interest-free financial assistance to stimulate entrepreneurship, create employment opportunities, and drive sustainable economic growth particularly targeting women, youth, and marginalized communities who traditionally face barriers to conventional financing options .
Key Features of CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card
💰 Financial Terms and Conditions
The Asaan Karobar Card offers impressive financial terms designed specifically to support small business needs:
- Loan Amount: Applicants can access up to PKR 1 million (10 lakh) in interest-free financing through a digital SME card facility
- Repayment Tenure: Borrowers receive a comfortable 3-year repayment period with flexible terms
- Grace Period: The scheme includes a 3-month grace period from card issuance before monthly installments begin
- Processing Fee: A nominal non-refundable processing fee of PKR 500 is required during application
- Revolving Credit: The card functions as revolving credit for the first 12 months, converting to 24 equal monthly installments thereafter
📊 Usage Flexibility
Cardholders enjoy substantial flexibility in utilizing funds for various business needs:
- Payments to vendors and suppliers
- Business utility bills, government fees, and taxes
- Digital transactions through POS systems or mobile applications
- Cash withdrawals (up to 25% of the total credit limit) for business-related expenses
Eligibility Criteria for Asaan Karobar Card
🎯 Demographic Requirements
To qualify for the CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card, applicants must meet these criteria:
- Age Requirement: Between 21-57 years old
- Residency: Must be a Pakistani national residing in Punjab province
- Business Status: Must have an existing business or viable business proposal located within Punjab
- Registration: Valid CNIC and mobile number registered in the applicant’s name
📋 Documentation and Financial Requirements
Prospective applicants must prepare these essential documents:
- CNIC (front and back copies)
- Business registration proof (if available)
- Bank account details
- Active tax filer status with FBR/PRA within six months of card issuance
- Clean credit history with no outstanding loan defaults
Application Process for CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card
📝 Step-by-Step Application Procedure
The application process for the Asaan Karobar Card is designed for maximum accessibility:
- Online Registration: Visit the official portal at akc.punjab.gov.pk and click the application button
- Account Creation: Register using your CNIC and mobile number (ensure SIM is registered in your name)
- Form Completion: Provide personal information including full name, father’s name, date of birth, and CNIC details
- Business Details: Enter business type, registration number (if applicable), and annual revenue
- Document Upload: Submit scanned copies of required documents including CNIC and business registration proofs
- Fee Payment: Pay the PKR 500 processing fee through available digital payment channels
- Submission: Review and submit your application for processing
⏱ Post-Application Process
After submission, applicants can expect:
- Verification Process: Digital verification of CNIC, creditworthiness, and business premises by authorized agencies
- Approval Timeline: Typically takes 2-3 weeks for processing and approval
- Card Delivery: Successful applicants receive their card through designated banks
- Business Verification: The Urban Unit conducts physical verification of business premises within six months of approval
Approved Usage of Asaan Karobar Card Funds
✅ Permitted Business Expenses
The Asaan Karobar Card funds may be utilized for these legitimate business purposes:
- Inventory procurement and stock replenishment
- Supplier and vendor payments
- Business utility bills (electricity, internet, telephone)
- Government fees, taxes, and business-related licenses
- Commercial space rent or lease payments
- Limited cash withdrawals (up to 25% of limit) for business expenses
❌ Restricted Usage
The card explicitly prohibits these transactions:
- Personal entertainment expenses
- Non-business-related shopping
- Transactions unrelated to the declared business purpose
Loan Disbursement and Repayment Structure
💳 Phased Disbursement Process
The Asaan Karobar Card implements a responsible disbursement strategy:
- Initial 50%: First half of the loan amount becomes accessible immediately upon card activation
- Second 50%: Remaining amount released after demonstrating satisfactory usage, timely repayments, and tax registration
- Usage Monitoring: Regular assessment of transaction patterns to ensure appropriate business use
🔄 Repayment Terms
The repayment schedule is designed for borrower convenience:
- Months 1-3: Grace period with no repayment obligations
- Months 4-12: Minimum monthly payment of 5% of outstanding principal
- Year 2-3: Remaining balance converted to 24 equal monthly installments
Table: Example Repayment Schedule for PKR 1,000,000 Loan
| Period | Payment Type | Monthly Amount | Outstanding Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Months 1-3 | Grace Period | PKR 0 | PKR 500,000 |
| Months 4-12 | Minimum Payment | PKR 25,000 | PKR 275,000 |
| Year 2 | Monthly Installment | PKR 41,667 | PKR 208,333 |
| Year 3 | Monthly Installment | PKR 41,667 | PKR 0 |
Benefits of CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card
🌟 Economic Empowerment Advantages
The Asaan Karobar Card program offers significant benefits to participants:
- Interest-Free Financing: Complete waiver on interest charges saves borrowers approximately PKR 200,000-300,000 compared to conventional loans
- Credit Building: Timely repayments help establish formal credit history for future financial access
- Business Formalization: Incentivizes registration with tax authorities, increasing business legitimacy
- Digital Transformation: Promotes digital payments and financial inclusion among small businesses
- Future Eligibility: Successful repayment may qualify borrowers for higher loan amounts in subsequent cycles
🌍 Socioeconomic Impact
The program delivers broader benefits to Punjab’s economy:
- Job Creation: Supports business expansion and consequent employment opportunities
- Poverty Alleviation: Provides sustainable livelihood opportunities for low-income families
- Inclusive Growth: Special focus on women, youth, and marginalized communities promotes economic inclusion
- Regional Development: Extends support to rural entrepreneurs, addressing urban-rural economic disparities
Support Services and Additional Resources
🎓 Capacity Building Assistance
Beyond financial support, the program offers valuable resources:
- Feasibility Studies: Available on Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC) and Bank of Punjab websites to assist startups
- Tax Registration Support: Assistance available for obtaining FBR/PRA registration within the mandatory six-month period
- Business Guidance: Helpline services provide guidance on business management and optimal utilization of funds
📞 Helpline and Technical Support
Applicants and cardholders can access support through:
- Dedicated Helpline: Call 1786 for application assistance and program information
- Technical Assistance: Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) supports digital application process
- Bank Partnership: Bank of Punjab facilitates account opening and card management services
Table: Comparison of Punjab Government Business Support Schemes
| Scheme | Loan Amount | Collateral | Tenure | Target Beneficiaries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asaan Karobar Card | Up to PKR 1 million | Not required | 3 years | Small businesses, startups |
| Asaan Karobar Finance Tier-1 | Up to PKR 5 million | Personal guarantee | 5 years | Small and medium enterprises |
| Asaan Karobar Finance Tier-2 | PKR 6-30 million | Collateral required | 5 years | Established medium businesses |
| Asaan Karobar Exports/SME | Up to PKR 50 million | Varies | 5 years | Export-oriented businesses |
Conclusion
The Government of Punjab’s Chief Minister Asaan Karobar Support Card represents a visionary initiative that directly addresses the financial exclusion faced by small businesses and economically vulnerable families across the province. By providing interest-free financing of up to PKR 1 million with flexible repayment terms, the program eliminates traditional barriers to capital access while promoting business formalization and digital financial inclusion .
The program’s comprehensive approach—combining financial support with capacity building, technical assistance, and mentorship—creates a sustainable ecosystem for entrepreneurial success rather than merely distributing funds . Its special emphasis on women entrepreneurs, youth, rural businesses, and marginalized communities ensures that economic development benefits reach those who need them most, truly fulfilling the promise of inclusive growth .
For eligible residents of Punjab, the Asaan Karobar Card offers a transformative opportunity to escape poverty through entrepreneurship, contribute to job creation, and participate meaningfully in the province’s economic development. Interested applicants should visit the official portal at akc.punjab.gov.pk or call the helpline at 1786 to begin their application process .