Asaan Karobar Program 2026 How to Apply for Business Financing in Punjab

The Asaan Karobar Program 2026 is Punjab’s business financing initiative for people who want to start or expand a business. It includes two separate options: the Asaan Karobar Card and Asaan Karobar Finance. Both offer interest-free financing to eligible borrowers, but their loan limits, age requirements and charges differ.

The Card offers up to Rs. 10 lakh. The published standard Finance scheme offers Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 3 crore. These are repayable business loans, not cash grants.

Asaan Karobar Card vs Asaan Karobar Finance

Detail	Asaan Karobar Card	Asaan Karobar Finance
Main purpose	Smaller business financing needs	Startup and SME financing
Published loan limit	Up to Rs. 10 lakh	Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 3 crore
Applicant age	21–57 years	25–55 years
Published tenure	3 years	Up to 5 years
Borrower markup	0%	0%
Application processing fee	Rs. 500	Rs. 5,000 for Tier 1; Rs. 10,000 for Tier 2
Official portal	https://akc.punjab.gov.pk/	https://akf.punjab.gov.pk/

The maximum amount is not guaranteed. Approval and the sanctioned limit depend on assessment and the applicable scheme conditions.

Official Website

Who Can Apply for the Asaan Karobar Card

The Card is designed for existing and prospective small entrepreneurs. PSIC lists these basic requirements:

You must be 21 to 57 years old.
You must be a Pakistani national residing in Punjab, as shown on your valid CNIC.
Your existing or proposed business must be in Punjab.
Your mobile number must be registered in your own name.

The Card uses digital channels for business spending. Its published processing fee is Rs. 500, and its annual card fee is Rs. 25,000 plus Federal Excise Duty. A three-month grace period is listed within the three-year tenure.

Who Can Apply for Asaan Karobar Finance

Finance applicants should check the following conditions:

Age between 25 and 55 years on the application date.
Valid CNIC and National Tax Number.
Clean credit history.
Residence and business located in Punjab.
Active FBR filer status, as listed on the Punjab government’s scheme overview.
Suitable ownership or rental documentation for the business premises where required.

The scheme supports new businesses and existing enterprises seeking working capital, expansion, modernization or replacement of equipment. Eligible purposes also include commercial logistics leasing and resource-efficient technologies.

Finance Loan Tiers

Tier 1 offers Rs. 10 lakh to Rs. 50 lakh with personal guarantees. Tier 2 provides secured financing up to Rs. 3 crore.

Check the Tier 2 starting amount: PSIC lists Rs. 50 lakh, while the Punjab Portal lists Rs. 60 lakh. Applicants seeking financing near this boundary should confirm the applicable tier with the official portal or helpline.

Interest Charges and Other Costs to Understand

Interest-free financing means the borrower’s published markup rate is 0%. It does not mean there are no fees.

For Finance, the Punjab Portal lists a 3% annual handling fee for existing businesses, with specified exemptions for new businesses and qualifying climate-friendly Tier 2 projects. Insurance, legal and registration costs may also apply. Late payment can attract additional charges.

For the Card, remember the annual card fee as well as the processing fee. Ask how these deductions affect your usable balance.

Before accepting financing, request a written breakdown of the total charges, deductions, repayment dates and any required contribution from your own funds.

To explore support for approved environmental activities, see our CM Punjab Green Credit Program guide.

Documents Required Before You Apply

Use this as a preparation checklist, rather than a universal list of mandatory uploads:

Valid CNIC and personal contact details.
Mobile number registered in your own name for the Card.
Business address and a clear description of the activity.
Required loan amount and its intended business use.
NTN and tax information for Finance.
Ownership or tenancy records where applicable.
Supporting financial, guarantee or security documents requested during assessment.

For a new business, prepare realistic estimates of startup costs, monthly sales, expenses and repayment capacity. The live application form and bank requirements determine the final documents needed.

How to Apply Online for the Asaan Karobar Program

Choose the relevant option. Compare the Card and Finance requirements before beginning.
Open the official portal. Use Asaan Karobar Card or Asaan Karobar Finance.
Check registration availability. Read any notice about new applications, pauses or application windows.
Register if the portal accepts applications. Follow its identity and account verification instructions.
Complete the application. Enter accurate personal, business and financial information and provide requested documents.
Follow official payment instructions. Pay the applicable processing fee only through the method specified by the portal.
Keep your records. Save the application reference, submitted details and payment receipt.

Do not treat fee payment as confirmation of approval. Applications remain subject to verification and assessment.

How Your Business Application Is Reviewed

Finance has a published repayment period of up to five years, including a grace period of up to six months for new businesses or three months for existing businesses.

Published Card descriptions differ. PSIC describes 33 monthly installments after a three-month grace period. The Punjab Portal describes an initial revolving facility, payments beginning after three months and repayment of the remaining balance over the following two years.

Because these descriptions differ, obtain your actual repayment schedule from the bank. A grace period should not be assumed to extend the overall loan tenure.

How to Check Application Status

Return to the official portal where you submitted your application. Use any application tracking or account facility provided there. Keep your reference number and receipt ready when contacting the official helpline, 1786.

No approval timeline is promised in this guide. Avoid submitting duplicate applications simply because you have not received an immediate response.

Asaan Karobar Program 2026 Last Date

No confirmed 2026 application deadline was verified for this article. Check the official portal for a dated announcement. An ongoing scheme listing does not necessarily mean registration is open every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. It is business financing that must be repaid. It should not be presented as a BISP installment or household cash grant.

Both schemes describe support for prospective or new businesses, subject to their eligibility and assessment requirements.

The published eligibility requires Punjab residence and a business located in Punjab. Living elsewhere in Pakistan alone does not meet those requirements.

Finance Tier 1 uses personal guarantees, while Tier 2 is secured financing. Ask the bank what security documents apply to your case.

Start with the amount your business can reasonably use and repay. Compare the eligibility, fees, security and written repayment schedule before choosing a facility.

Isabella William

Isabella William is a Pakistani writer from Khanewal, Punjab. She is interested in BISP, the Ehsaas Program, and other government schemes. Through Ehsaasify, she shares simple and helpful information about 8171, CNIC checks, registration, and payment updates to help people across Pakistan.