The Punjab government will launch a Rs. 300 billion interest-free business loan programme in October 2026. Consequently, the initiative aims to boost entrepreneurship and strengthen economic growth across the province.
Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain announced the programme during a Project Steering Committee meeting. The committee reviewed progress on the second phase of the Chief Minister’s Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme.
Managing Director of the Punjab Small Industries Corporation, Mubeen Elahi, briefed members on the scheme’s implementation. Moreover, he highlighted progress achieved under the ongoing financing programme.
Existing Schemes Boost Business Activity
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said existing interest-free loan schemes have increased commercial and economic activity. Under the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme and Asaan Karobar Card Scheme, authorities have disbursed Rs. 70 billion in loans.
According to the minister, the programmes have benefited 108,371 small and large businesses. Furthermore, the second phase of the Asaan Karobar Finance Scheme is providing Rs. 90 billion in interest-free financing.
The government has also introduced dedicated schemes for Central, Northern, and Southern Punjab. Additionally, export finance initiatives are supporting businesses across different sectors.
New Programme To Begin In October
The minister said 4,462 applicants have already received interest-free loans worth Rs. 53.7 billion. He added that the new Rs. 300 billion programme will expand financial support for entrepreneurs.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is expected to inaugurate the initiative in the coming months. Meanwhile, the government said the programme will support small and medium-sized enterprises while creating new economic opportunities across Punjab.
