How to Apply for CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card

Lahore: The CM Punjab Asaan Karobar Card is a major initiative by the Punjab government aimed at supporting small businesses by providing interest-free loans of up to Rs1 million.

The scheme is designed to help small traders and entrepreneurs expand or manage their businesses through financial assistance. Under the program, eligible applicants can obtain a loan of up to Rs10 lakh for a period of three years. A revolving credit facility is available during the first 12 months.

The scheme also includes a three-month grace period, after which the loan must be repaid in 24 equal monthly installments. The loan carries zero percent interest, making it completely interest-free.

Borrowers can use the funds for business-related payments such as supplier payments, utility bills, government fees, and taxes. Up to 25% of the total loan amount can also be withdrawn in cash for business purposes. All transactions are conducted digitally to ensure transparency and proper use of funds.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements to apply for the Asaan Karobar Card:

Must be a Pakistani citizen

Age must be between 21 and 57 years

Must possess a valid CNIC and registered mobile number

Business must be located in Punjab

Must have a clean credit history

Applicants must pass credit and psychometric assessments

Only one application per individual or business is allowed to ensure genuine entrepreneurs benefit from the scheme.

How to Apply

The application process is completed through an online portal developed by the Punjab Information Technology Board. Applicants must fill in personal details, CNIC information, and business-related data.

At the time of submission, a non-refundable processing fee of Rs500 must be paid. After submission, the relevant authorities digitally verify the applicant’s CNIC, credit history, and business location.

Once approved, the Asaan Karobar Card is issued, allowing access to the loan amount. Initially, 50% of the credit limit can be used during the first six months, while the remaining amount is released after timely payments and registration with the Punjab Revenue Authority (PRA) or Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

Additional Charges and Monitoring

Although the loan is interest-free, some administrative charges apply, including an annual card fee of Rs25,000 plus Federal Excise Duty. Other possible costs include life insurance charges, card issuance fees, and penalties for late payments according to bank policies.

Borrowers must also provide a digitally signed personal guarantee and life insurance coverage. Teams from the Urban Unit will conduct physical verification of the business location within six months and annual inspections afterward to ensure proper use of the funds.

Additional Support

The government also provides support to entrepreneurs through feasibility studies for startup businesses available on the websites of PSIC and the Bank of Punjab. For further information and guidance, applicants can contact the 1786 helpline.