By Our Correspondent
LAHORE, December 31: Under the vision of Pakistan Muslim League (N) leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Aasaan Karobar Finance Scheme has set new records of success within a short span of time.
Read also: Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz’ forms 15-member steering committee to eliminate child labour
In just six months, the Punjab government has disbursed Rs70 billion in interest-free loans under the Aasaan Karobar Finance and Aasaan Karobar Card schemes, promoting 108,371 businesses across the province and significantly expanding employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister-led initiative has completed its first phase, during which 4,238 individuals received Rs16.31 billion in interest-free loans. Under the finance scheme, 203 women entrepreneurs were provided loans amounting to Rs1.82 billion to start or expand their businesses.
Sector-wise, Rs40.3 billion was allocated to the agriculture sector, Rs33.8 billion to trade, Rs4.27 billion to transport, and Rs6.3 billion to manufacturing and other sectors. In the second phase, an additional Rs90 billion in interest-free loans will be disbursed.
On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, four special schemes have been launched to further ease doing business and promote economic growth. Separate Aasaan Karobar schemes have been introduced for North, Central, and South Punjab, while an Aasaan Karobar and Export Finance for SMEs scheme has also been launched to boost exports, offering interest-free loans of up to Rs50 million.
Under the Aasaan Karobar Card Scheme, 104,131 cards have been issued, through which Rs44 billion in card-based loans have been provided. Small shopkeepers, home-based industries, and vendors are among the key beneficiaries of the initiative.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the objective of easy financing is to create a business-friendly environment in Punjab. She reiterated that the Aasaan Karobar Finance and Card schemes reflect the vision of Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, adding, “When businesses grow, the worker’s livelihood is secured.”
She further said that the growth of small businesses strengthens the urban economy, noting that Punjab has immense business potential which the government is determined to fully utilize.
** **
